30 Favour H2580 is deceitful, H8267 and beauty H3308 is vain: H1892 but a woman H802 that feareth H3373 the LORD, H3068 she shall be praised. H1984
But G235 let it be the hidden G2927 man G444 of the heart, G2588 in G1722 that which is not corruptible, G862 even the ornament of a meek G4239 and G2532 quiet G2272 spirit, G4151 which G3739 is G2076 in the sight G1799 of God G2316 of great price. G4185 For G1063 after this manner G3779 in the old time G4218 the holy G40 women G1135 also, G2532 who G3588 trusted G1679 in G1909 God, G2316 adorned G2885 themselves, G1438 being in subjection G5293 unto their own G2398 husbands: G435
But the midwives H3205 feared H3372 God, H430 and did H6213 not as the king H4428 of Egypt H4714 commanded H1696 them, but saved H2421 the men children H3206 alive. H2421 And the king H4428 of Egypt H4714 called H7121 for the midwives, H3205 and said H559 unto them, Why H4069 have ye done H6213 this thing, H1697 and have saved H2421 the men children H3206 alive? H2421 And the midwives H3205 said H559 unto Pharaoh, H6547 Because the Hebrew H5680 women H802 are not as the Egyptian women; H4713 for they are lively, H2422 and are delivered H3205 ere H2962 the midwives H3205 come in H935 unto them. Therefore God H430 dealt well H3190 with the midwives: H3205 and the people H5971 multiplied, H7235 and waxed very H3966 mighty. H6105 And it came to pass, because the midwives H3205 feared H3372 God, H430 that he made H6213 them houses. H1004
And G2532 Mary G3137 said, G2036 My G3450 soul G5590 doth magnify G3170 the Lord, G2962 And G2532 my G3450 spirit G4151 hath rejoiced G21 in G1909 God G2316 my G3450 Saviour. G4990 For G3754 he hath regarded G1914 G1909 the low estate G5014 of his G846 handmaiden: G1399 for, G1063 behold, G2400 from G575 henceforth G3568 all G3956 generations G1074 shall call G3106 me G3165 blessed. G3106 For G3754 he that is mighty G1415 hath done G4160 to me G3427 great things; G3167 and G2532 holy G40 is his G846 name. G3686 And G2532 his G846 mercy G1656 is on them that fear G5399 him G846 from G1519 generation G1074 to generation. G1074
To bring H935 Vashti H2060 the queen H4436 before H6440 the king H4428 with the crown H3804 royal, H4438 to shew H7200 the people H5971 and the princes H8269 her beauty: H3308 for she was fair H2896 to look on. H4758 But the queen H4436 Vashti H2060 refused H3985 to come H935 at the king's H4428 commandment H1697 by H3027 his chamberlains: H5631 therefore was the king H4428 very H3966 wroth, H7107 and his anger H2534 burned H1197 in him.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 31
Commentary on Proverbs 31 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 31
Pr 31:1-31.
1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see Introduction.
prophecy—(See on Pr 30:1).
2. What, my son?—that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb—as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows—as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength—mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways—or course of life.
to that … kings—literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare Pr 5:9; 7:22, 27; Ho 4:11).
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Pr 20:1; 22:29).
pervert … afflicted—They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (compare Ps 104:15).
8, 9. Open … cause—Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (compare Ps 72:12; Isa 1:17).
appointed to destruction—who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (compare Pr 29:14, 16).
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
Who … woman—The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14).
virtuous—literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare Pr 12:4; Ru 3:11).
her price, &c.—(compare Pr 3:15).
11. heart … trust in her—He relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil—does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war.
12. do … good—contribute good to him.
13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.
15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;
16. and hence has means to purchase property.
17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare Pr 24:20) is not short lived.
19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.
20. Industry enables her to be charitable.
21. scarlet—or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.
22. coverings of tapestry—or, "coverlets," that is, for beds.
silk—or, "linen" (compare Ex 26:1; 27:9)
and purple—that is, the most costly goods.
23. in the gates—(compare Pr 22:22). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.
24. fine linen—or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.
girdles—were often costly and highly valued (2Sa 18:11).
delivereth—or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."
25. Strength and honour—Strong and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice … come—in confidence of certain maintenance.
26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.
27. (Compare 1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:5). She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control.
28. She is honored by those who best know her.
29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare Pr 31:10).
30. Favour—or, "Grace" of personal manner.
beauty—of face, or form (compare Pr 11:22). True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection (1Pe 3:3).
31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.