She brings him goodThis phrase highlights the virtuous woman's commitment to her husband, reflecting the biblical ideal of a supportive and nurturing partner. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a wife's role was crucial in maintaining the household's well-being. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) encompasses prosperity, happiness, and moral goodness, suggesting that her actions contribute positively to her husband's life. This aligns with the biblical principle found in
Genesis 2:18, where God creates a helper suitable for Adam, emphasizing partnership and mutual support. The virtuous woman exemplifies the wisdom and industriousness praised throughout Proverbs, embodying the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10).
and not harm
The commitment to avoid causing harm underscores the importance of trust and integrity in a marital relationship. In biblical times, a wife's betrayal or negligence could lead to significant social and economic consequences for the family. The Hebrew word for "harm" (רָע, ra) often denotes evil or misfortune, indicating that her actions are consistently aimed at preventing any negative impact on her husband. This reflects the broader biblical theme of love and faithfulness, as seen in1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where love is described as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. The virtuous woman's dedication to her husband's well-being mirrors the covenantal faithfulness God shows to His people.
all the days of her life
This phrase emphasizes the lifelong commitment and consistency of the virtuous woman's actions. Her dedication is not temporary or conditional but extends throughout her entire life. This mirrors the biblical concept of covenant, which is enduring and steadfast, as seen in God's promises to His people (Deuteronomy 7:9). The phrase also suggests a type of Christ, as Jesus is the ultimate example of one who brings good and not harm to His bride, the Church, throughout eternity. The virtuous woman's unwavering commitment serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to live lives marked by faithfulness and integrity, as seen inGalatians 6:9, which urges believers not to grow weary in doing good.
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 virtue, wisdom, and diligence in a wife.
2.
Her HusbandThe recipient of the good that the virtuous woman brings. He is a figure who benefits from her wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness.
3.
King LemuelThe author of
Proverbs 31, who shares the wisdom taught to him by his mother, providing a framework for understanding the qualities of a virtuous woman.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, reflecting the societal values and family structures of the time.
5.
The HouseholdThe setting where the virtuous woman's actions and influence are most directly felt, serving as a microcosm of her broader impact on society.
Teaching Points
Commitment to GoodnessThe virtuous woman is committed to bringing good to her husband consistently. This reflects a dedication to positive actions and intentions within marriage.
Lifelong Faithfulness"All the days of her life" emphasizes the enduring nature of her commitment. This teaches the importance of lifelong faithfulness and consistency in relationships.
Impact of a Godly CharacterHer actions are a result of her godly character, which is cultivated through a relationship with God. This highlights the importance of spiritual growth and character development.
Role of InfluenceThe virtuous woman influences her household and community positively. This underscores the power of influence and the responsibility to use it for good.
Partnership in MarriageThe relationship between the virtuous woman and her husband is a partnership where she actively contributes to his well-being, illustrating the collaborative nature of a godly marriage.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:12?
2.How can we consistently "bring good" to our spouses in daily life?
3.What does Proverbs 31:12 teach about the role of a virtuous wife?
4.How does Proverbs 31:12 connect with Ephesians 5:22-33 on marriage roles?
5.In what ways can we apply Proverbs 31:12 to modern Christian marriages?
6.How can Proverbs 31:12 inspire us to serve others selflessly every day?
7.How does Proverbs 31:12 define a virtuous woman's role in marriage?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 31:12?
9.How does Proverbs 31:12 align with modern views on gender roles?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown?
12.Are you diligent or slothful in your work?
13.Proverbs 18:21: If words carry the power of life and death, where is the scientific basis for speech causing literal life or death?
14.How do words defile a person?What Does Proverbs 31:12 Mean
She brings him- The verse opens with action, not mere intention. “She brings him...” (Proverbs 31:12) shows the wife taking initiative, just as God designed a helper suitable for man (Genesis 2:18).
- Her contribution is active and ongoing, echoing Rebekah’s eager service to Isaac’s servant (Genesis 24:18-20) and Abigail’s swift provision for David (1 Samuel 25:18-19).
- This proactive spirit mirrors Christlike love that lays down personal comfort for another’s benefit (Ephesians 5:2).
good and not harm- Scripture specifies the quality of what she brings: “good and not harm.”
• Good: practical blessing—food (Proverbs 31:14-15), income (v. 24), counsel (v. 26).
• Not harm: no deceit (Proverbs 12:22), no tearing down with words (Ephesians 4:29).
- The husband’s trust (Proverbs 31:11) is earned by consistent goodness; it reflects a wife who embodies “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).
- Her conduct fulfills love’s mandate to “seek not its own, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5-7).
all the days of her life- Her commitment is lifelong, unwavering through every season—youthful energy, mid-life demands, advancing age (Titus 2:3-5).
- Faithful endurance echoesPsalm 23:6, where goodness follows the believer “all the days of my life,” andGalatians 6:9, urging us “not to grow weary in doing good.”
- Such constancy flows from abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5), whose steadfast love never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23).
summaryProverbs 31:12 portrays a wife who actively contributes beneficial, never harmful, influence to her husband, and she does so with lifelong consistency. Her goodness is tangible, her motives pure, and her perseverance rooted in covenant faithfulness. By walking in daily, self-giving love, she reflects God’s own steadfast care.
Verse 12. - GIMEL.
She will do him good and not evil (comp. Ecclus. 26:1-3). She is consistent in her conduct towards her husband, always pursuing his best interests.
All the days of her life; in good times or bad, in the early spring time of young affection, and in the waning years of declining age. Her love, based on high principles, knows no change or diminution. The old commentator refers to the conduct of St. Monies to her unbelieving and unfaithful husband, narrated by St. Augustine in his 'Confessions,' 9:9: "Having been given over to a husband, she served him as her lord; and busied herself to win him to thee, revealing thee to him by her virtues, in which thou madest her beautiful, and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
She will bring himגְּמָלַ֣תְהוּ(gə·mā·laṯ·hū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1580:To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripengoodט֣וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand notוְלֹא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noharmרָ֑ע(rā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilallכֹּ֝֗ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe daysיְמֵ֣י(yə·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof her life.חַיֶּֽיה׃(ḥay·yeh)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:12 She does him good and not harm (Prov. Pro Pr) 
