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John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Proverbs 31:19

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.She layeth — By her own example she provokes her servants to labour. And although in these latter and more delicate times, such mean employments are grown out of fashion among great persons, yet they were not so in former ages, neither in other countries, nor in this land; whence all women unmarried unto this day are called in the language of our law, Spinsters. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:16

16. She considereth a field Sets her mind upon it, estimates its worth, and plans the means of purchasing it. Literally, she takes it. With the fruit of her hands The product of her labour. She planteth a vineyard Or, as some read, the fruit of her hands is the planting of a vineyard. These various items mark the industry, economy, and thrift of the energetic and capable woman. They are strongly “in contrast with the degradation to which woman has fallen under the later polygamy of... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:17

17. She girdeth her loins with strength The Orientals wear loose flowing robes, which need to be girded close to the body, or tucked up, when they engage in any active employment. The figure denotes her activity and energy. “She walks about.” says Patrick, “with great expedition, tucking up her garments that she may be fit for motion anywhere, and not minding clothes more than her business, nor neglecting it for fear of spoiling them; but prefers strength in her arms, acquired by labour,... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:18

18. She perceiveth Literally, tastes, proves. Her merchandise is good Valuable, profitable, and highly appreciated, and this makes her all the more industrious; so that sometimes, at least, she works at it all night in order to supply the great demand for her goods. Her candle Lamp. Goeth not out by night Some suppose that this may be intended to mark a wise precaution against robbers or banditti, which, from time immemorial, have infested those Eastern countries. It is more... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:19

19. The spindle… the distaff It is not entirely certain to which parts of the Eastern spinning apparatus these terms were applied. Stuart renders the first word by distaff, and the second by spindle. “In the East the spindle is held in the hand, often perpendicularly, and is twirled in one, while the other draws out the thread.” Gesenius. The distaff is the staff for holding the bunch of flax or wool from which the thread is drawn when spinning. “I saw a woman sitting at the door of... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:20

20. Stretcheth out… to the poor She spreads out or opens her palm. While exceedingly thrifty and industrious, she is not “close-fisted;” but generously opens her hand to every case of distress and need: an example of good economy and liberality two virtues but rarely blended, unhappily, in the same person, either man or woman. read more

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