The heart of her husband trusts in herThis phrase highlights the deep trust and confidence a husband places in his wife. In biblical times, trust within a marriage was crucial for the stability of the household. The heart, often seen as the seat of emotions and will, signifies a profound level of trust that goes beyond mere reliance. This trust is reflective of the covenant relationship seen in
Genesis 2:24, where husband and wife become one flesh. The trust here can be compared to the trust God desires from His people, as seen in
Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart." The virtuous woman is a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ, who is trusted by her Bridegroom, Jesus.
and he lacks nothing of value
This phrase suggests that the wife contributes significantly to the well-being and prosperity of the household. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a wife's role was integral to the economic and social success of the family. Her industriousness and wisdom ensure that the household is well-provided for, echoing the blessings of a faithful life as described inDeuteronomy 28:1-14. The phrase also connects to the idea of spiritual riches, as seen inMatthew 6:19-21, where true value is found in heavenly treasures. The provision and security she brings to her husband can be seen as a reflection of how Christ provides for His Church, ensuring that it lacks nothing of eternal value.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Virtuous WifeThe subject of
Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is a model of godly womanhood and virtue. She is depicted as a wife whose character and actions bring honor and trust to her household.
2.
The HusbandThe husband in this verse is portrayed as a man who places his full confidence in his wife. His trust in her is complete, indicating a deep bond of mutual respect and love.
3.
King LemuelThe author of
Proverbs 31 is traditionally identified as King Lemuel, who shares the wisdom taught to him by his mother. This chapter is often seen as a mother's advice to her son on the qualities of a virtuous wife.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of this passage is ancient Israel, where family and household management were central to societal stability and prosperity.
5.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God through practical and moral instruction.
Teaching Points
Trust as a FoundationTrust is a cornerstone of a healthy marriage. The virtuous wife earns her husband's trust through her integrity, wisdom, and diligence. In a Christian marriage, both partners should strive to build and maintain trust.
Value Beyond Material WealthThe phrase "he will lack nothing of value" suggests that the wife's contributions go beyond material wealth. Her character and actions provide spiritual and emotional richness to the household.
Mutual Respect and PartnershipThe relationship depicted in
Proverbs 31:11 is one of mutual respect and partnership. Both husband and wife have roles that complement each other, reflecting God's design for marriage.
Role of Women in the HouseholdThis verse highlights the significant role women play in the household. A virtuous woman is not only a support to her husband but also a leader in her own right, managing the home with wisdom and care.
Biblical WomanhoodThe qualities of the
Proverbs 31 woman serve as a model for biblical womanhood, encouraging women to pursue godliness, wisdom, and strength in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:11?
2.How does Proverbs 31:11 encourage trust in a marital relationship today?
3.What qualities in Proverbs 31:11 inspire confidence in a spouse?
4.How can Proverbs 31:11 guide us in building trustworthy relationships?
5.Connect Proverbs 31:11 with Ephesians 5:33 on mutual respect in marriage.
6.How can you apply Proverbs 31:11 to improve trust in your family?
7.How does Proverbs 31:11 define trust in a marital relationship?
8.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 31:11?
9.How does Proverbs 31:11 reflect the role of women in biblical times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?
12.What does 'More Precious Than Rubies' mean?
13.What defines a godly wife?
14.What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown?What Does Proverbs 31:11 Mean
The heart of her husband• The verse opens with relational language, reminding us that marriage is first about two hearts knit together.
• Scripture affirms the gift of a wife who brings joy and security to her husband—“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown” (Proverbs 12:4).
• Her husband’s “heart” speaks to his inner life—his emotions, plans, and deepest concerns—showing how fully she is invited into every part of him.
• This picture echoesGenesis 2:24, where husband and wife become “one flesh,” and1 Peter 3:1–2, where a wife’s pure conduct wins her husband’s admiration.
trusts in her• “Trusts” implies ongoing confidence; he doesn’t merely hope she’ll do right—he knows she will.
–Proverbs 19:14 says, “A prudent wife is from the LORD,” underscoring that such trust is rooted in God’s provision.
– InProverbs 18:22 we read, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD,” showing the divine favor wrapped in marital trust.
• Practical outworkings of this trust:
– Financial stewardship he can rely on (seeProverbs 31:16, 24).
– Consistent integrity when he is absent (Proverbs 31:25).
– Wise counsel that guides him (Proverbs 27:9).
• This kind of trust models Christ’s relationship with His Church, where faithfulness breeds assurance (Ephesians 5:25–27).
and he lacks nothing of value• Because of her diligent care, the household’s tangible and intangible needs are met.
–Proverbs 21:20 notes, “Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise,” picturing provision that results from godly wisdom.
–Psalm 23:1 echoes the same confidence: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• “Nothing of value” reaches beyond material goods:
– Peace of mind (Proverbs 14:26).
– Honor and respect among peers (Proverbs 31:23).
– Spiritual richness that outshines wealth (1 Timothy 6:6).
• Her industrious spirit—rising while it is still night, planting vineyards, opening her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:13–20)—turns God’s blessings into practical abundance for her family.
summaryThe verse paints a portrait of a wife whose character inspires complete confidence: her husband’s heart rests securely in her fidelity, her diligence, and her wisdom. That trust yields an atmosphere where nothing truly valuable is lacking—peace, provision, and honor all flourish.Proverbs 31:11 thus calls every believer to cultivate faithfulness that blesses those closest to us and showcases God’s generous design for marriage.
(11)
So that he shall have no need of spoil.--Rather,
shall have no lack of gain.His incomings constantly increase from the prudent care of his wife.
Verse 11. - BETH.
The heart of her husband cloth safely trust in her. The husband of such a wife goes forth to his daily occupations, having full confidence in her whom he leaves at home, that she will act discreetly, and promote his interests while he is absent (see the contrast in
Proverbs 7:20).
So that he shall have no need of spoil; rather,
he shall not lack gain (
shalal). The wife manages domestic concerns so well that her husband finds his honest gains increase, and sees his confidence profitably rewarded. Septuagint, "Such a woman shall want not fair spoils." It is obvious to see in this an adumbration of the Church winning souls from the power of the enemy, especially as
shalal is used for an enemy's spoils (
Psalm 68:12;
Isaiah 53:12; and elsewhere).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The heartלֵ֣ב(lêḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreof her husbandבַּעְלָ֑הּ(ba‘·lāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, ownertrusts in her,בָּ֣טַח(bā·ṭaḥ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, sureand he willלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolack nothingיֶחְסָֽר׃(yeḥ·sār)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2637:To lack, need, be lacking, decreaseof value.וְ֝שָׁלָ֗ל(wə·šā·lāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998:A prey, spoil, plunder, booty
Links
Proverbs 31:11 NIVProverbs 31:11 NLTProverbs 31:11 ESVProverbs 31:11 NASBProverbs 31:11 KJV
Proverbs 31:11 BibleApps.comProverbs 31:11 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 31:11 Chinese BibleProverbs 31:11 French BibleProverbs 31:11 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts (Prov. Pro Pr) 
