Proverbs 31:23-31

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:27

She looketh well to the ways of her household ,.... The business of her house, her domestic affairs; that her children and servants have convenient food, and in due season; that they have proper clothing, and keep their garments close about them, and unspotted; that everyone does the business of his calling, her several officers, and private members; that a good decorum is kept, that all things are done decently and in order; that the rules of her lord and husband are observed; that the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise up ,.... As olive plants around her table; grow up to maturity of age, and ripeness of judgment, and so capable of observing things, and doing the work here ascribed to them: or they rise up in reverence of her, and respect to her, suitable to the relation they stand in to her: or rather it signifies their readiness to show a regard unto her, and their setting about the work of commendation of her in earnest: or else their earliness in doing it; they rise in the morning,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:29

Many daughters have done virtuously ,.... This, according to Aben Ezra and Gersom, is what was said by her husband and children, and which seems to be right; especially they may be thought to be the words of her husband. By these "daughters" may be meant false churches, such as the church of Rome and her daughters, who is the mother of harlots, Revelation 17:17 . These are "many", when the true church of Christ is but one, to whom she is opposed, Song of Solomon 6:8 . These may do many... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:30

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain ,.... A well favoured look, a graceful countenance, symmetry and proportion of parts, natural or artificial beauty, are vain and deceitful; oftentimes under them lies an ill natured, deformed, and depraved mind; nor is the pleasure and satisfaction enjoyed as is promised along with these; and particularly how do they fade F5 "Forma bonum fragile est", Ovid. de Arte Amandi, l. 2. and consume away by a fit of illness, and through old age, and at... read more

John Gill

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

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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:23

Her husband is known in the gates - read more

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