She opens her mouth with wisdomThis phrase highlights the virtue of wisdom, a central theme in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom in the biblical context is not merely knowledge but the application of divine principles in daily life. The woman described here embodies the ideal of a wise person, reflecting the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). Her wisdom is practical, guiding her actions and words. This mirrors the wisdom of Solomon, who asked God for an understanding heart to govern his people (
1 Kings 3:9). The opening of her mouth signifies intentionality and purpose, suggesting that her words are carefully considered and rooted in a deep understanding of God's truth.
and faithful instruction is on her tongue
The term "faithful instruction" implies teaching that is reliable, trustworthy, and consistent with God's Word. This aligns with the biblical mandate for believers to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on oral tradition and the passing down of wisdom from one generation to the next. This woman serves as a teacher within her household and community, much like the role of a prophetess or wise woman in Israel (e.g., Deborah inJudges 4-5). Her instruction is not only faithful in content but also in delivery, characterized by love and integrity. This reflects the nature of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher and whose words are spirit and life (John 6:63).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Virtuous WomanThe subject of
Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing the epitome of godly womanhood. She embodies wisdom, strength, and virtue.
2.
King LemuelThe chapter is introduced as the sayings of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him. This context suggests that the virtues described are those that a mother would want her son to seek in a wife.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of
Proverbs 31 is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued, and the role of women was primarily centered around the home and family.
Teaching Points
The Power of WordsOur words have the power to build up or tear down. The virtuous woman uses her words to impart wisdom and instruction, reminding us to speak thoughtfully and with purpose.
Wisdom as a LifestyleWisdom is not just about knowledge but about living out godly principles in everyday life. The
Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies this through her actions and speech.
Faithful InstructionThe phrase "faithful instruction" implies teaching that is reliable and trustworthy. As Christians, we are called to share God's truth with integrity and consistency.
Role of Women in MinistryThis passage highlights the significant role women can play in teaching and guiding others, both within the family and the broader community.
Cultivating a Godly CharacterThe virtues of the
Proverbs 31 woman are attainable through a relationship with God and the cultivation of a godly character, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31
What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?
How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?
What defines a godly mother?
What defines a Christian family?(26)
She openeth her mouth with wisdom.--She is not a mere household drudge, with no thought beyond providing food and clothing for her family. She cares for their higher interests, and knows how to guide them with her wisdom.
In her tongue is the law of kindness.--Kindness is the law by which she regulates all her words.
Verse 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 ver. 25, and the first hemistich Again. after ver. 27. So in
Lamentations 2, 3, 4, the
pe and
ayin vetoes change places. This is also the case in
Psalm 37. In the former passage the LXX: renders, "She openeth her mouth heedfully and lawfully (
προεχόντως καὶ ἐννόμως);" and in the other, "wisely and in accordance with law (
σοφῶςκαὶ νομοθέσμως)."
In her tongue is the law of kindness (
thorath chesed);
i.e. her language to those around her is animated and regulated by love. As mistress of a family, she has to teach and direct her dependents, and she performs this duty with gracious kindness and ready sympathy. Septuagint, "She places order on her tongue."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
She opensפָּתְחָ֣ה(pā·ṯə·ḥāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6605:To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carveher mouthפִּ֭יהָ(pî·hā)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according towith wisdom,בְחָכְמָ֑ה(ḇə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomand faithfulחֶ֝֗סֶד(ḥe·seḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautyinstructionוְתֽוֹרַת־(wə·ṯō·w·raṯ-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, lawis onעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsther tongue.לְשׁוֹנָֽהּ׃(lə·šō·w·nāh)Noun - common singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3956:The tongue
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr) 
