Proverbs 31:17-31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:17

She girdeth her loins with strength ,.... Showing her readiness to every good work; and with what cheerfulness, spirit, and resolution, she set about it, and with what dispatch and expedition she performed it: the allusion is to the girding and tucking up of long garments, wore in the eastern countries, when any work was set about in earnest, which required dispatch; see Luke 17:8 ; the strength of creatures being in their loins, Job 40:16 ; the loins are sometimes put for strength, as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good ,.... That it turns to good account; that her trading to heaven is of great advantage; that she grows rich hereby; that her merchandise with Wisdom, or Christ, is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereby than fine gold; and though her voyages are attended with trouble and danger, yet are profitable, and therefore she is not discouraged, but determined to pursue them; she is like the merchant man, seeking goodly pearls, who... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:19

She layeth her hands to the spindle ,.... As Penelope and her maidens did F20 Homer, Odyss. 1. v. 357. & 21. v. 351. . Or spinning wheel, more properly, the wheel itself, which is laid hold on by the right hand, and turned round; and her hands hold the distaff ; the rock, stick, or staff, about which the wool is wrapped, which is spun, and is held in the left hand; for though hands are mentioned in both clauses, yet it is only with one hand the wheel is turned, and the distaff... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor ,.... Her liberality is very extensive, reaches to many, and at a distance; it is done with great cheerfulness and readiness; to do good and communicate, she forgets not, it being acceptable to her Lord and husband, Hebrews 13:16 ; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy ; she gives with both hands, liberally and largely. It may be applied to the church, giving spiritual food by her ministers to those who are poor in spirit, spiritually... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household ,.... That her family should suffer through the rigour of a cold season, when it is frost and snow; for all her household are clothed with scarlet : the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "with double" F21 שנים "indigitat vestem duplo crassiorem, Stockius, p. 1122. "duplicibus, V. L. Paguinus, Tigurine version, Gataker, Gejerus; "penulis duplicibus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "duplicatis", Cocceius: such as Homer describes,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry ,.... For the furniture and ornament of her house, or for her bed; which may signify the ordinances of the Gospel, and the decent, orderly, and beautiful administration of them, wherein the church has communion with her Lord; see Song of Solomon 1:16 . The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "garments of divers colours", such as was Joseph's coat, Genesis 37:3 ; and, in a spiritual sense, may be applied to the above mentioned garments, and agrees... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:23

Her husband is known in the gates ,.... Of the city, where courts of justice were kept, and causes heard and tried by the judges, the elders of the land, later mentioned; among whom the husband of the virtuous woman was, where he was known, taken notice of, and celebrated; not so much for the beautiful garments she made him, as Jarchi; but rather for his wisdom, as Gersom, and for being the husband of such a woman; who, taking such care of his domestic affairs, he was more at leisure to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it ,.... She not only seeks wool and flax, and spins it, but makes it up into fine linen, which she disposes of to advantage to herself and family. Kimchi says F25 Sepher. Shorash. rad סדז , the word signifies coverings for the night, as well as day he seems to design linen sheets: the Arabic version adds, and "sells it to the inhabitants of Bosra." This, in the mystic sense, may signify either the good works the church does, and which she... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:25

Strength and honour are her clothing ,.... Strength, not of body, but of mind. The church is clothed with strength, as her Lord, head, and husband, is said to be, Psalm 93:1 ; and which she has from him; for though she is the weaker vessel, and weak in herself, yet is strong in him; and is able to bear and do all things, with a fortitude of mind to withstand every enemy, and persevere in well doing: and she is clothed with "honour"; with honourable garments, suitable to her rank and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom ,.... When she opens her mouth, for it is not always open, she expresses herself in a discreet and prudent manner; as well as speaks of things not foolish and trifling, but of moment and importance, and of usefulness to others: or "concerning wisdom" F1 בחכמה "de sapientia", Mercerus. ; the church and people of Christ talk of the wisdom of God in the works of creation, providence, and redemption; of Christ, the Wisdom of God, and as made so to them;... read more

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