Verse of the Day
Monday, May 12, 2025
Proverbs 31:10, 27-28
A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.… She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her.
Introduction
Proverbs 31:10, 27–28 comes from a passage famously known as The Woman of Valor or The Capable Wife. Often read in tribute to godly women and mothers, these verses do more than commend domestic diligence—they uphold a portrait of wisdom lived out in everyday faithfulness, stewardship, and relational integrity. This passage is not just a celebration of womanhood, but a call to emulate a life marked by purpose and honor.
Commentary
Verse 10 introduces the central theme with a rhetorical question: “A capable wife who can find?” The Hebrew term translated “capable” is ḥayil, a word also used for warriors and noble men, suggesting strength, valor, and excellence. The woman being described is not passive but active, industrious, and strong in character. Her value surpasses material wealth—she is “more precious than jewels.”
Verses 27–28 shift from her character to her impact. She is described as attentive and diligent, “looking well to the ways of her household”—a phrase indicating wise management and care. She is not idle, wasteful, or disengaged. Her fruit is seen in the response of her family: her children and husband offer her praise. The Hebrew idea of "rising up" conveys public affirmation and honor, reminiscent of how a community would honor elders or heroes. The household recognizes that her faithful labor flows from a heart of virtue and wisdom.
Understanding the Context
The final chapter of Proverbs (verses 10–31) is a poetic acrostic, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Traditionally, it’s understood as either a mother’s instruction to her son (King Lemuel) or a concluding poetic embodiment of all the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs.
The passage reflects the ideals of ancient Israelite society but is not meant to impose a rigid role for women. Rather, it exalts qualities that are universally admirable: faithfulness, diligence, wisdom, and honor. The text also functions as a praise poem, giving voice to the often-unrecognized labor of women, especially within the family structure.
Application for Today
In modern contexts, Proverbs 31 should be read not as a restrictive checklist, but as an inspirational vision of a life lived wisely and selflessly. Whether married or single, in the workforce or at home, women (and indeed, all people) can embody these qualities.
For mothers, this passage affirms the sacredness of raising children and the hidden value of consistent, loving care.
For leaders and caregivers, it offers a model of stewardship and dedication.
For churches and communities, it reminds us to publicly honor and affirm the contributions of those who serve faithfully in often unseen roles.
The household’s praise serves as a reminder that we should recognize and speak blessings over those who pour themselves out for the good of others.
Reflection
Proverbs 31:10, 27–28 invites us to reflect on the ways in which we honor virtue, service, and love. It challenges cultural values that often prioritize appearance, status, or wealth over character, consistency, and wisdom. Do we rise up to bless those who quietly shape our lives through their selfless actions? Are we cultivating lives that are “more precious than jewels”—marked not by outward success, but by inner strength?
As we meditate on these verses, may we be stirred not only to give thanks for the godly women in our lives but also to become people of such noble character ourselves.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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