Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Verse 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands] This may be a prayer. May she long enjoy the fruit of her labours! May she see her children’s children, and peace upon Israel!
And let her own works praise her in the gates.] Let what she has done be spoken of for a memorial of her; let her bright example be held forth in the most public places. Let it be set before the eyes of every female, particularly of every wife, and especially of every mother; and let them learn from this exemplar, what men have a right to expect in their wives, the mistresses of their families, and the mothers of their children. Amen.
MASORETIC NOTES ON THIS BOOK
Number of verses in the book of Proverbs, 915.
Middle verse, Pr 16:18.
Sections, 8.
The Syriac reckons 1863 verses.
The Arabic concludes thus: – “The discipline of Solomon written out by the friends of Hezekiah, king of Judah, the interpretation or translation of which is extremely difficult, (but) is now completed by the assistance and influence of the Son of God.”
IN the introduction to the book of Proverbs, among the several collections of a similar nature which are mentioned there, I have referred to M. Galand’s Maximes des Orientaux. From this work, as contained in the supplement to the Bibliotheque Orientale, I have translated the following selection. They will serve to show the curious reader how many sayings similar to those of Solomon still abound in the East.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Give her of the fruit of her hands; it is but just and fit that she should enjoy those benefits and praises which her excellent labours deserve.
Let her own works praise her; give her the praises which her own works may challenge. If men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will loudly trumpet forth her praises.
In the gates; in the most public and solemn assemblies.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
31. The result of her labor isher best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of thisadmirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in thedaughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and,therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Give her of the fruit of her hands,…. According to Aben Ezra, these are the words of her husband to her children; exhorting them to give her the praise and glory that is due unto her. Jarchi interprets it of the world to come; at which time, it is certain, the graces of the church, and of all believers, which are the fruits of the Spirit in them, and of their hands, as exercised by them, such as faith, hope, love, humility, patience, and others, will be found to honour and praise; and every such person shall have praise of God, 1Pe 1:7; and also of men and angels; to whom these words may be an exhortation to give it to them;
and let her own words praise her in the gates; where her husband is known, in public assemblies; before angels and men, in the great day; when her works will follow her, and speak for her, and she will be publicly praised by Christ, as all the faithful and righteous will,
Re 14:13. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, “let her husband be praised in the gate”; see Pr 31:23; so Ambrose, who interprets it of the happiness of the saints in heaven.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
31 Give to her of the fruit of her hands;
And let her works praise her in the gates!
The fruit of her hands is the good which, by her conduct, she has brought to maturity – the blessing which she has secured for others, but, according to the promise (Isa 3:10), has also secured for her own enjoyment. The first line proceeds on the idea that, on account of this blessing, she herself shall rejoice. (with Gaja, after Metheg – Setzung, 37) is not equivalent to give to her honour because of…; for in that case, instead of the ambiguous , another preposition – such e.g., as – would have been used; and so , of itself, cannot be equivalent to (sing the praise of), as Ziegler would read, after Jdg 11:40. It must stand with , or instead of an accus. obj. is to be thought of, as at Psa 68:35; Deu 32:3, which the necessity of the case brings with it – the giving, as a return in the echo of the song of praise. Immanuel is right in explaining by or , cf. Psa 28:4. The , as is not otherwise to be expected, after is partitive: give to her something of the fruit of her hands, i.e., recompense it to her, render it thankfully, by which not exclusively a requital in the form of honourable recognition, but yet this specially, is to be thought of. Her best praise is her works themselves. In the gates, i.e., in the place where the representatives of the people come together, and where the people are assembled, her works praise her; and the poet desires that this may be right worthily done, full of certainty that she merits it, and that they honour themselves who seek to praise the works of such a woman, which carry in themselves their own commendation.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
(31) Give her of the fruit of her handsi.e., honour her for her noble life, and let her own works praise her in the gates; let them be recounted when men meet together; the mere mention of them will be sufficient, as no words could add anything to her praise.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
31. The fruits of her hands The product and results of her labours.
And let her own works Of industry, of thrift, of economy, of kindness, of piety, of wise and careful household management, (the word means all these.)
Praise her in the gates Let them be held up for imitation in the public assemblies, and for the incitement of others to like virtues. Here is a specimen of the “strong-minded” woman of the ancient Hebrew race. Let those of her sex who feel within them the stirrings of energy and the aspirations for distinction, take this “looking-glass for ladies,” as the old commentators call it, and dress themselves by it, and they will crown themselves with true womanly dignity and enduring fame.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 31:31. Give her of the fruit of her hands In these latter verses, the sacred writer expresses the felicity of this virtuous woman, dutiful children, a grateful and affectionate husband (Pro 31:28.); general esteem and approbation (Pro 31:30). Some render this verse, Men reward her from the fruit of her hands; her works shall celebrate her in the gate. i.e. “The single recital of her good works will “compose her sufficient eulogy.”
Behold here, then, the picture of a virtuous woman, according to Solomon; a person of no ordinary rank, or obscure condition; her husband appears with distinction in the midst of princes and senators; he has no need to apply himself to his domestic concerns; her house is full of riches, and she is surrounded with maidens. She is not urged by parsimony and meanness to make profit of her labour, and that of her people: simple elegance shines in her vestments and those of her husband, in her furniture, and in her beds, and in her whole house. Piety, the fear of God, and wisdom, constitute her character. Vigilant, active, laborious, she remains at home, assiduous to conduct her household, and to bring up her children. Despising superfluous gewgaws and frivolous occupations, gentle towards her domestics, liberal to the poor, and prudently confining and limiting herself to the employments suitable to her: She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. In her life we see neither gaming, nor diversion, nor high living, nor idleness, nor useless visits; no quarrels, or slanders, or those other abuses which form the most serious employment of women of the world, who are not under a necessity of earning their livelihood. Calmet is of opinion, that Solomon gives us in this portrait the picture of his mother Bathsheba. See the first note on this chapter. It must, however, be acknowledged, that there are some traits which cannot with strict propriety be applied to the wife of David; and perhaps the sacred writer had only in view to give us the general character of a virtuous matron and mistress of a family.
REFLECTIONS.Let us, for a few moments, take a review of this beautiful description of what good wives should be. It is a pattern that they ought all to copy according to their respective stations. We have,
1. The inquiry made after such a virtuous woman. Many appear well at a distance, set off with every genteel accomplishment, and in person and manners engaging, who, when proved, often deceive men’s expectations, and leave them without remedy to mourn the rashness and folly of their choice: but where God in mercy is pleased to bestow on us a helpmate, truly excellent, whose amiableness appears greatest the nearer she is viewed, and the more she is tried; her price indeed is far above rubies.
2. Her description:
[1.] She behaves so as to engage and deserve the entire confidence of her husband: she never gives him the least occasion for jealousy, or reason to doubt her discretion in the management of his domestic affairs; has no separate interests, nor ever wastes on herself in needless expence his substance; so that he shall have no need of spoil, driven to extortion to supply her extravagance. She will do him good; study his temper, make it her delight to please him, seek his advantage, and do every thing which may contribute to his comfort, profit, and honour in this world and in the next, and this all the days of her life.
[2.] She is active and industrious, and looks narrowly into her affairs; neither eats the bread of idleness, nor loves the bed of sloth: her house is the scene of order, diligence, and frugality. She does not love to dress, and visit, and card, and saunter at public places; her house is her happiness, and her domestic employments her delight. Her family is up before the day, and breakfasted, ready for their work as soon as the light arises; and each have their allotted portion, and know their proper employment; herself in the midst of them sets the encouraging example; and, having provided wool and flax at the most advantageous market, worketh willingly with her hands, not regarding it as a burden, but counting her duty her pleasure. Her work is not some foolish finery, which may be more properly called idleness than labour, but will be of use to her family. She is not ashamed of the spindle and the distaff, and with the candle-light lengthens out the day, till the fit time of repose arrives.
[3.] She is wise in the disposition of what she has wrought, and knows how to turn it to the best advantage, whether for domestic uses, or to exchange with the merchants.
[4.] She is charitable. Though she lays up a provision for her family, it is not at the expence of the poor; her hands are open to relieve their necessities, and the indigent ever find in her a bountiful friend: her diligence and oeconomy enable her both to provide for her own, and to have much besides to spare for the poor.
[5.] Her family appears in the greatest credit. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land; her good conduct advances his reputation; his wealth increases by her management: even his very dress, and that of his attendants, bespeak her care of his honour.
[6.] To enhance her character. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness; never haughty, assuming, sullen, peevish, contentious; but her language is tender endearment, and dutiful submission; she would rather hear than speak: when she offers her advice to her husband, she pretends not to dictate, but refers herself to his determination; avoids every occasion of dispute, or wisely yields to his superior judgment; and all her family are hearers of her gracious discourse. As she wishes to govern her household by love, not by threatening, her very commands are obliging, and her corrections tempered with gentleness.
[7.] To crown the whole: she is truly religious: she feareth the Lord; is governed in all her conduct by the principles of his word, and a regard for his glory; and this adds double lustre to all her other excellencies. Beauty of person is pleasing, but it is a fading transient thing, compared with the more substantial beauty of the mind: disease may soon crop, and age must quickly wither this fair flower; but time shall more improve the graces of the soul, and render the union of kindred spirits, heirs together of the grace of life, more intimate and endeared.
3. The blessedness of such conduct will be great.
[1.] It will procure praise and honour from all around: her husband will thank God, and count himself happy in such a partner; her children will bless her care, and grow up to acknowledge and adorn her gracious instructions: every eye will own her virtues; and she shall be praised, as worthy a name among the most excellent and honourable of women; whilst her own husband will not allow her equal to be found, and admires her as the flower of her sex.
[2.] She will have cause to rejoice in all time to come; her works continuing to speak her excellence, she shall reap the fruit of her hands; strength and honour shall be her constant clothing in this world; and in the world to come she shall receive the reward of fidelity, and rejoice eternally there, where there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage, but the souls of the glorified saints are advanced to a state of higher blessedness than mortality ever knew, and are made like unto the angels.
Some have thought that this description is mystical, and applicable to the spouse of Christ, the church, whose inviolable purity and fidelity render her dearer to him than rubies; yea, he proved how highly he valued her, when he bought her with his blood: he trusts her with his gospel, his ordinances, his children, assured of her care over them: his honour and interests are her constant concern for ever. The external garments of profession, and the white linen, the righteousness of saints, are, through grace, her constant labour. By prayer and communion with God, she goes out, as merchant-ships, to heaven, and returns, fraught with the bread of life, from that far country. The stewards of her mysteries, rising early, dispense to each their portion, feeding each member of the family with those words of truth which are suited to their state and condition. The scripture is the field that she purchases, and she is enriched thereby: a purchase, indeed, made without money, and without price, Mat 13:44. Isa 55:1.; and in her vineyard new converts are daily planted, and grow up to bring forth fruit unto God. She labours for the glory of her Lord, and the good of the souls in-trusted to her, with all her might. Her merchandise of grace is better than silver; her lamp of profession ever burning; and in the darkest night of adversity her hope is never extinguished. She is incessant in well-doing, and her spirit is charity itself. Her house is decently adorned, and her ordinances administered with dignity. Her husband, the great Bridegroom of souls, is known, honoured, and adored both by his saints below, and by angels above. Her ministers, receiving of her stores, make a rich return of precious souls. Strong in grace, and honourable, she shall rejoice in all the ages of time and eternity. The doctrines of divine wisdom, and gospel grace, are by her dispensed. Her discipline is exact, and no idleness suffered under her roof. The members of Christ, her children, bless God for their mercies, and pray for her peace and prosperity; and the Lord himself approves her fidelity, and gives her the highest commendation. All other beauty, and human glory, shall fade; but to eternity shall the church of the faithful-redeemed be for a praise; when her works follow her, and Christ shall bestow upon her the promised recompence of eternal bliss.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
REFLECTIONS.
AND now, Reader, having gone over this book of the Proverbs, and having seen that in many parts of them, it is of Jesus they principally treat; I would desire to close this part of the sacred word, with refer ring all that hath been offered by way of comment, to the goodness and forbearance of the Lord; beseeching him to pardon the whole, and to let his strength be perfected in human weakness. If Jesus be the wisdom here intended to be set forth (as in many parts of this book, what is said concerning wisdom can be applicable to none but him) it will be our happiest improvement of this delightful scripture, to seek after Christ in, and through all. In Jesus we behold the constellation of wisdom, all the properties of it, concentered in his one Person. The divine, and human nature, forming one glorious Mediator, the power of God, and the wisdom of God, for salvation to a lost world. In all his offices also, all his characters, as well as in the constitution of his person, wisdom shines out in ful1 splendor. Here mercy and truth meet together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Blessed Jesus! thou art wisdom itself; even the wisdom of God in a mystery! And in thee are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Vouchsafe, dear Lord, both to him that writes, and to him that reads, such suited proportions as may make us wise unto salvation through the faith that is in thyself. And let our souls be living under the gracious illuminations of thy holy Spirit here below until we come to the everlasting enjoyment of thee in glory for evermore.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Ver. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands. ] God would have desert dignified, good parts praised. Here he seals up his approbation and good liking of what her husband and children had said of her in the former verses. He takes it well when we speak good of his people, and holds himself honoured in their just praises. Give her her full due, saith God, both within doors and without. Let her eat of the vineyard that she hath planted, live of the land that she hath purchased, enjoy the fruit of her own labours, have both the comfort and the credit of her worthy parts and practices, she being – as she here stands described – not unlike that precious stone among the Troglodytes which is therefore called hexacontalithos, because within its own little compass it hath the radiant colours of sixty other stones of price. a
a Solin., Poly. Hist., cap. 44.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
of the: Pro 31:16, Pro 11:30, Psa 128:2, Mat 7:16, Mat 7:20, Rom 6:21, Rom 6:22, Phi 4:17
and let: Mar 14:7-9, Act 9:39, Rom 16:1-4, Rom 16:6, Rom 16:12, 1Ti 5:25, Heb 6:10, Rev 14:13
Reciprocal: Jdg 5:24 – General 1Sa 15:13 – I have performed 1Sa 25:3 – good Pro 11:16 – gracious Mic 7:13 – for Phi 4:8 – praise 1Ti 2:10 – with
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 31:31. Give her of the fruit of her hands It is but just that she should enjoy those praises which her labours deserve. Let her works praise her If men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will trumpet forth her praises. In the gates In the most public and solemn assemblies.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
31:31 Give {p} her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the {q} gates.
(p) Confess her diligent labours, and commend her therefore.
(q) Forasmuch as the most honourable are clad in the apparel that she made.