She makes linen garments and sells them;The virtuous woman described in
Proverbs 31 is industrious and entrepreneurial. Linen, a high-quality fabric made from flax, was a valuable commodity in ancient times, often associated with wealth and status. The production of linen required skill and knowledge, indicating that this woman was both talented and knowledgeable in her craft. In biblical times, linen was used for priestly garments (
Exodus 28:39-42) and was a symbol of purity and righteousness (
Revelation 19:8). Her ability to produce and sell linen garments suggests she contributes significantly to her household's economy, embodying the principle of stewardship and diligence found throughout Scripture (
Proverbs 12:24).
she delivers sashes to the merchants.
The act of delivering sashes to merchants highlights her active role in commerce and trade. Sashes, often used as belts or decorative accessories, were practical and fashionable items in ancient cultures. By engaging with merchants, she demonstrates wisdom and business acumen, ensuring her products reach a broader market. This reflects the biblical principle of engaging with the world while maintaining integrity (Proverbs 11:1). Her interaction with merchants also suggests a network of relationships and trust, which is essential for successful trade. This mirrors the New Testament encouragement for believers to be wise and shrewd in their dealings (Matthew 10:16), while maintaining a testimony of righteousness and integrity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Virtuous WomanThe subject of
Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing wisdom, diligence, and godly character. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a woman of virtue.
2.
MerchantsThese are the traders or business people to whom the virtuous woman delivers her goods. In ancient times, merchants played a crucial role in the economy, facilitating trade and commerce.
3.
Linen GarmentsLinen was a valuable textile in biblical times, known for its quality and durability. The production and sale of linen garments indicate industriousness and skill.
4.
SashesThese are decorative or functional bands of cloth, often used as belts or adornments. The making and selling of sashes demonstrate the woman's creativity and business acumen.
5.
The MarketplaceWhile not explicitly mentioned, the marketplace is implied as the place where the virtuous woman engages in commerce, highlighting her active role in the community's economic life.
Teaching Points
Diligence and IndustryThe virtuous woman exemplifies diligence and industriousness. Believers are encouraged to work hard and use their skills and talents for the benefit of their families and communities.
Entrepreneurial SpiritEngaging in business and trade is not only permissible but commendable when done with integrity and purpose. Christians can pursue entrepreneurial endeavors as a means of stewardship and service.
Contribution to CommunityThe virtuous woman's activities benefit not only her household but also the wider community. Christians are called to contribute positively to society through their work and interactions.
Wisdom in Resource ManagementThe making and selling of goods require wisdom in resource management. Believers should seek God's guidance in managing their resources effectively and ethically.
Role of Women in ScriptureThis passage highlights the significant role women can play in economic and social spheres, affirming their value and capabilities in various aspects of life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:24?
2.How can we emulate the industriousness described in Proverbs 31:24 in our lives?
3.What does "makes linen garments and sells them" teach about entrepreneurship?
4.How does Proverbs 31:24 connect with the Proverbs 31 woman's overall character?
5.In what ways can we apply Proverbs 31:24 to modern business practices?
6.How does Proverbs 31:24 encourage using talents for God's glory and provision?
7.How does Proverbs 31:24 reflect the role of women in biblical times?
8.What is the significance of "linen garments" in Proverbs 31:24?
9.How does Proverbs 31:24 align with the overall theme of Proverbs 31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.What fabrics are mentioned in the Bible?
12.What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?
13.Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that ancient women held such extensive responsibilities and freedoms as described in Proverbs 31:10–31?
14.What does the Bible say about homemaking?What Does Proverbs 31:24 Mean
She makes linen garments“She makes linen garments…” (Proverbs 31:24a)
•Her work begins with skillful production, not haphazard effort. Compare the orderly diligence ofProverbs 31:13, “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands,” and the resourcefulness of verse 22, “She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”
•Linen points to quality and durability; the woman invests in materials that last (cf.Acts 9:39, where Dorcas is remembered for the tunics and garments she made).
•In a literal sense she weaves cloth; spiritually, she models faithful stewardship—turning raw blessings into something useful for others (cf.1 Corinthians 4:2, “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful”).
and sells them“…and sells them…” (Proverbs 31:24b)
•Her enterprise moves beyond hobby to commerce. The Proverbs woman is not cloistered; she engages the marketplace as an extension of godly service (seeProverbs 31:18, “She sees that her gain is good”).
•Profits are not an end in themselves but a means to bless.Titus 3:14 urges believers to “devote themselves to good works, meeting pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
•Honest business reflects the command ofColossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord…”—reminding us that marketplace integrity is worship.
she delivers sashes“…she delivers sashes…” (Proverbs 31:24c)
•Sashes were decorative yet functional, symbolizing readiness and beauty (cf.Isaiah 11:5, “Righteousness will be the belt around His hips”).
•The action word “delivers” shows reliability. She fulfills promises, mirroringPsalm 15:4 where the righteous “keep their oaths even when it hurts.”
•Her products enhance others’ appearance and utility, echoing1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”
to the merchants“…to the merchants.” (Proverbs 31:24d)
•She interacts confidently with professionals of trade. Like Lydia, “a dealer in purple cloth” who worshiped God and opened her home (Acts 16:14-15), she brings faith into economic circles.
•Merchants appreciate craftsmanship; her reputation precedes her (cf.Proverbs 22:29, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men”).
•Engaging merchants broadens her influence, enabling resources to flow outward for family and community good (Proverbs 31:20, “She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy”).
summaryProverbs 31:24 paints a picture of an industrious, trustworthy woman who transforms raw material into quality goods, carries them to market with integrity, and enlarges her sphere of blessing through honest commerce. Her example urges believers today to combine skill, diligence, and godly purpose—using our hands, heads, and hearts to serve the Lord and others in every corner of life, including the marketplace.
Verse 24. - SAMECH.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it. The word for "fine linen" is
sadin, not the same as in ver. 22. but equivalent to
σινδών, and denoting linen garments; Delitzsch calls it "body linen" (comp.
Judges 14:12, 13;
Isaiah 3:23).
Delivereth girdles unto the merchant; literally,
unto the Canaanite;
i.e. the Phoenician merchant, a generic name for all traders (see
Isaiah 23:8;
Zechariah 14:21). Girdles were necessary articles of attire with the flowing robes of Eastern dress The common kind were made of leather, as is the use at the present day; but a more costly article was of linen curiously worked in gold and silver thread, and studded with jewels and gold (see
2 Samuel 18:11;
Daniel 10:5). So Virgil (AEneid,' 9:359) speaks of "aurea bullis cingula." We read of Queen Parysatis having certain villages assigned her for girdle money,
εἰς ζώνην δεδομέναι (Xen., 'Anab.,' 1:4, 9). Cicero alludes to the same custom in his Verrine oration (
Proverbs 3:33): "Solere aiunt barbaros reges Persarum ac Syrorum plures uxores habere, his autem uxoribus civitates attribuere hocmodo: haec civitas mulieri iu redimiculum proebeat, haec in collum, haec in crines" (comp. Plato, 'Alcib. I.,' p. 123, B). Such rich and elaborately worked girdles the mistress could readily barter with Phoenician merchants, who would give in exchange purple (ver. 22) and other articles of use or luxury. On this passage St. Gregory thus moralizes: "What is signified by a garment of fine linen, but the subtle texture of holy preaching? In which men rest softly, because the mind of the faithful is refreshed therein by heavenly hope. Whence also the animals are shown to Peter in a linen sheet, because the souls of sinners mercifully gathered together are enclosed in the gentle quiet of faith. The Church therefore made and sold this fine garment, because she inparted in words that faith which she had woven by belief; and received from unbelievers a life of upright conversation. And she delivered a girdle to the Canaanite, because by the might of the righteousness she displayed, she constrained the lax doings of the Gentile world, in order that that might be maintained in their doings which is commanded. 'Let your loins be girded about'" ('Moral.,' 33:33).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
She makesעָ֭שְׂתָה(‘ā·śə·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makelinen garmentsסָדִ֣ין(sā·ḏîn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5466:A wrapper, shirtand sells [them];וַתִּמְכֹּ֑ר(wat·tim·kōr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4376:To sellshe deliversנָתְנָ֥ה(nā·ṯə·nāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setsashesוַ֝חֲג֗וֹר(wa·ḥă·ḡō·wr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2289:Beltedto the merchants.לַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃(lak·kə·na·‘ă·nî)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3669:Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them (Prov. Pro Pr) 
