Proverbs 31:26-31

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:30

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, etc. - read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:31

Give her of the fruit of her hands - This may be a prayer. May she long enjoy the fruit of her labors! 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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-31

The words of Lernuel The fear of God is the leading thought in these meditations; and this in a twofold relation—to the king in his rule in the state, and the woman in her rule in the house. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:10-31

Part IX. THIRD APPENDIX TO THE SECOND COLLECTION . This section contains an ode in praise of the virtuous woman, derived from a different source from that of the words of Agur, and belonging to a different age (see Introduction). It is an acrostic; that is, each verse begins with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, arranged in the usual order. We may compare this mashal with the alphabetical psalms, "Psalmi abcedarii," which are, more or less, of similar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:10-31

The typical woman I. HER SPHERE . This is domestic. 1 . In marriage. The typical woman is a wife and mother, not a St. Agnes, the mystical bride of Christ, nor even a Virgin Mary. We see her in Sarah, in Naomi, in Hannah, in Eunice. There is invaluable service for the world which only women who are free from the ties of home can accomplish; there is a noble mission for single women. But there is nothing in Scripture, reason, or conscience to suggest that virginity is more holy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:10-31

The virtuous housewife I. HER INFLUENCE IN THE SPHERE OF HOME . ( Proverbs 31:10-22 .) 1 . Her exceeding worth. ( Proverbs 31:10-12 .) A costly treasure not everywhere to be found; no commonplace blessing: an ornament and a joy above all that earth affords of rare and beautiful. A treasure on which the heart of the possessor ever dwells with delight. "Continual comfort in a face, The lineaments of gospel books." She is the rich source of revenue to her husband... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:10-31

Christian womanhood If Solomon did write these words, we need not he surprised that he speaks of the rarity of the ideal woman; for she is hardly to be found in a crowded harem. It is the Christian home that contains her. We look at— I. HER CHARACTERISTICS . And these are: 1 . Piety. "She feareth the Lord" ( Proverbs 31:30 ). She has within her the spirit of reverence, and the life she lives is one in which worship and the study of the will of God have no small share. She... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:26

PE . She openeth her mouth with wisdom. She is not merely a good housewife, attending diligently to material interests; she guides her family with words of wisdom. When she speaks, it is not gossip, or slander, or idle talk, that she utters, but sentences of prudence and sound sense, such as may minister grace to the hearers. The Septuagint has this verse before Proverbs 31:25 , and the first hemistich Again. after Proverbs 31:27 . So in Lamentations 2:1-22 , Lamentations 3:1-66 , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:27

TSADE . She looketh well to the ways of her house; the actions and habits of the household. She exercises careful surveillance over all that goes on in the family. Eateth not the bread of idleness; but rather bread won by active labour and conscientious diligence. She is of the opinion of the apostle who said "that if any would not work, neither should he eat" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ). Septuagint, "The ways of her house are confined ( στεγναὶ διατριβαὶ οἴκων αὐτῆς ) , and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:28

KUPH . Her children arise up, and call her blessed. She is a fruitful mother of children, who, seeing her sedulity and prudence, and experiencing her affectionate care, celebrate and praise her, and own that she has rightly won the blessing of the Lord. Her husband also, and he praiseth her ; in the words given in the next verse. Having the approbation of her husband and children, who know her best, and have the best opportunities of judging her conduct, she is contented and happy.... read more

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