Proverbs 31:10-31

PROVERBS—NOTE ON Proverbs 31:10 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the esv footnote to v. Proverbs 31:10 explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic. Each successive verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman’s “excellence” (vv. Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:29). The probable intention of putting this in an acrostic pattern is to show that this woman’s character runs the whole range of excellence. The woman is married, and she is devoted to the well-being of her household (vv. Proverbs 31:11, Proverbs 31:15, Proverbs 31:17, Proverbs 31:19, Proverbs 31:21, Proverbs 31:25, Proverbs 31:27). She contributes financially to her family (vv. Proverbs 31:14, Proverbs 31:16, Proverbs 31:18, Proverbs 31:24). At the same time she makes her home the center of ministry by giving generously to the poor (v. Proverbs 31:20) and by instructing her children and household workers in true kindness (v. Proverbs 31:26). Her husband and children enjoy their lives and honor her for her industry (vv. Proverbs 31:11, Proverbs 31:23, Proverbs 31:28). This portrait of excellence sets such a high standard that it can be depressing to godly women today until its purpose is understood. First, the woman embodies wisdom in all areas of life. This shows that the teaching of Proverbs 1:1 is intended for all of God’s people. Second, this profile is an ideal. It is not expected that any one woman will look exactly like this in every way. Rather, it is an example of full-scale virtue and wisdom toward which the faithful are willing to be molded.