Strength and honor are her clothingThis phrase highlights the virtues of strength and honor as integral to the character of the woman described in
Proverbs 31. In biblical context, clothing often symbolizes one's identity and status. Here, strength and honor are not just attributes but are as visible and defining as garments. Strength, in this context, refers to moral and spiritual fortitude, echoing the biblical call to be strong in the Lord (
Ephesians 6:10). Honor suggests a life lived with integrity and respect, aligning with the wisdom literature's emphasis on living righteously (
Proverbs 3:35). The imagery of clothing also connects to the New Testament exhortation to "put on" virtues like compassion and kindness (
Colossians 3:12), suggesting that these qualities are essential to one's spiritual identity.
and she can laugh at the days to come
This phrase conveys a sense of confidence and peace regarding the future. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where uncertainty and hardship were common, the ability to face the future with joy and assurance was significant. This confidence is rooted in faith and trust in God's providence, reminiscent of Jesus' teaching inMatthew 6:34, where He instructs not to worry about tomorrow. The laughter here is not one of mockery but of joy and assurance, reflecting a deep-seated trust in God's plan and provision. This anticipatory joy can be seen as a type of the joy found in Christ, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). The woman's ability to laugh at the future is a testament to her wisdom and faith, qualities that are celebrated throughout the book of Proverbs.
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 qualities of a godly and virtuous woman. She embodies wisdom, strength, and dignity.
2.
King LemuelThe chapter is attributed to the words of King Lemuel, which he learned from his mother. It is a mother's advice to her son on the qualities of a virtuous wife.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of this passage is ancient Israel, where the roles and expectations of women were defined by societal norms and religious teachings.
Teaching Points
Clothed in Strength and DignityThe Hebrew word for "strength" ('oz) implies might and power, suggesting that the virtuous woman is empowered by her faith and character.
"Dignity" (hadar) refers to honor and majesty, indicating that her worth is recognized and respected by others.
Confidence in the FutureThe phrase "laughs at the days to come" signifies a confident and fearless outlook on the future, rooted in trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
Role Model for All BelieversWhile this passage specifically describes a woman, the principles of strength, dignity, and faith are applicable to all believers, encouraging them to live with integrity and confidence.
Spiritual PreparationJust as the virtuous woman is prepared for the future, believers are called to be spiritually prepared, trusting in God's plan and equipping themselves with His Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:25?
2.How can we embody "strength and dignity" in our daily lives today?
3.What does it mean to "laugh at the days to come"?
4.How does Proverbs 31:25 connect with Ephesians 6:10 on strength?
5.In what ways can we cultivate dignity in our relationships?
6.How can trusting God help us face the future with confidence?
7.How does Proverbs 31:25 define strength and dignity in a modern context?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 31:25?
9.How does Proverbs 31:25 challenge traditional gender roles?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?
12.What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown?
13.What are the Bible's teachings on marriage?
14.What is the essence of The Sacred Feminine?What Does Proverbs 31:25 Mean
Strength and honor are her clothingProverbs 31:25 opens with, “Strength and honor are her clothing.” The picture is of a woman so wrapped in godly character that virtue is what you notice first, the way you notice someone’s outfit when they walk into a room.
• Strength here is moral and spiritual fortitude—an inner resolve empowered by God (seeEphesians 6:10;Psalm 18:32;Proverbs 31:17).
• Honor (often rendered “dignity”) highlights a life ordered under God’s ways, producing a reputation marked by respect (1 Samuel 2:30;Romans 2:7).
• Clothing suggests permanence and visibility. Unlike accessories that can be removed, these qualities are woven into her daily life (Colossians 3:12;1 Peter 3:3-4).
The verse teaches that true beauty is not skin-deep; it is the outworking of an obedient heart clothed in virtues that reflect Christ.
She can laugh at the days to comeThe second half reads, “and she can laugh at the days to come.” This is not carefree irresponsibility but settled confidence in God’s sovereignty.
• Laugh signifies calm joy, the opposite of fretful anxiety (Psalm 112:7;Philippians 4:4-7).
• Days to come points to the unknown future—economic shifts, family needs, aging—yet she faces it with cheerful faith because her trust is anchored in the Lord (Matthew 6:25-34;Romans 8:31-39;1 Peter 5:7).
• Her preparedness flows from earlier verses: she plans, works diligently, and fears the LORD (Proverbs 31:21, 30). Because she walks in wisdom today, she meets tomorrow with unshakable peace.
summaryProverbs 31:25 presents a woman whose life is wrapped in God-given strength and honor, virtues that shape every interaction. Those same qualities free her from fear of the future; instead of worry, she greets the unknown with joyful confidence. By clothing ourselves in Christlike character and trusting God’s faithful care, we too can stand strong and smile at whatever lies ahead.
(25)
Strength and honour are her clothing.--She never parts with them; they serve her, like clothing, for protection and ornament. (Comp.
Psalm 104:1.)
And she shall rejoice in time to come.--Rather,smiles at the coming day;does not fear the future.
Verse 25. - AYIN.
Strength and honour are her clothing (ver. 17);
ἰσχὺν καὶεὐπρέπειαν, Septuagint. She is invested with a moral force and dignity which arm her against care and worry; the power of a righteous purpose and strong will reveals itself in her carriage and demeanour. And thus equipped,
she shall rejoice in time to come; or,
she laugheth (
Job 5:22;
Job 39:7)
at the future (
Isaiah 30:8). She is not disquieted by any fear of what may happen, knowing in whom she trusts, and having done her duty to the utmost of her ability. The Greek and Latin versions seem to take the expression as referring to the day of death; thus the Vulgate,
Ridebit in die novissimo; Septuagint, "She rejoices in the last days (
ἐν ἡμέραις ἐσχάταις)
." But it is best interpreted as above. The true servant of God is not afraid of any evil tidings, his heart being fixed, trusting in the Lord (
Psalm 112:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Strengthעֹז־(‘ōz-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797:Strength, mightand honorוְהָדָ֥ר(wə·hā·ḏār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1926:Magnificence, ornament, splendorare her clothing,לְבוּשָׁ֑הּ(lə·ḇū·šāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3830:A garment, clothing, raimentand she can laughוַ֝תִּשְׂחַ֗ק(wat·tiś·ḥaq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7832:To laugh, to playat the daysלְי֣וֹם(lə·yō·wm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayto come.אַחֲרֽוֹן׃(’a·ḥă·rō·wn)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 314:Hinder, late, last, western
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing (Prov. Pro Pr) 
