Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Proverbs Ch.31 / 31 Ch.s
PR:31
* An exhortation to king Lemuel to take heed of sin, and to do
duties. (1-9) The description of a virtuous woman. (10-31)
#1-9 When children are under the mother's eye, she has an
opportunity of fashioning their minds aright. Those who are
grown up, should often call to mind the good teaching they
received when children. The many awful instances of promising
characters who have been ruined by vile women, and love of wine,
should warn every one to avoid these evils. Wine is to be used
for want or medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine,
though abused, has its use. By the same rule, due praise and
consolation should be used as cordials to the dejected and
tempted, not administered to the confident and self-sufficient.
All in authority should be more carefully temperate even than
other men; and should be protectors of those who are unable or
afraid to plead their own cause. Our blessed Lord did not
decline the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow put into his
hands; but he puts the cup of consolation into the hands of his
people, and causes those to rejoice who are in the deepest
distress.
#10-31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those
days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and
nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her
husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing
that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, and he will leave
such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes
it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one that
takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is
careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She
applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's
business. She does what she does, with all her power, and
trifles not. 3. She makes what she does turn to good account by
prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without
considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for
her house. She lays up for hereafter. 4. She looks well to the
ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty
to God and one another, as well as to her. 5. She is intent upon
giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully. 6.
She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she
governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes
prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others.
The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows
itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even
when her hands are most busy about this world. 7. Above all, she
fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any
proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who
made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in
the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever. 8. She
has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She
shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she
was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world
to come. She is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit
be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to
her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this
honour that cometh from God; and according to this standard we
all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all
women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected,
useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to
individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of
God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace
has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to
possess all the excellences here described.