Proverbs 31:16-18

Eastern culture is again obvious in these verses. She is thrifty, and she augments her husband’s income (Proverbs 31:16). Today, supplementing her family’s income may be a possibility for her (cf. 31:34). However, husband and wife should agree that this is best for the family. She should make sure her motives and priorities are in order before committing herself to such a job. Is the income essential to meet needs or wants? Is she doing the work to avoid her other higher priority responsibilities? Is she hoping that her job or career, rather than her relationship with God and her family members, will satisfy her needs?

She is industrious (not an amazon, Proverbs 31:17). She has a legitimate sense of self-respect, and she works hard, with the result that she is prosperous (Proverbs 31:18; cf. Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20; Proverbs 24:20).