What does Proverbs 31:10 mean?
"¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10
The Bible verse Proverbs 31:10 in the King James Version reads, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." This verse is a part of the famous "Proverbs 31 Woman" passage, which has long been held as a standard of virtue and wisdom for women. This particular verse sets the tone for the entire passage, emphasizing the value and rarity of a virtuous woman.
The book of Proverbs is often attributed to King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and insight. The purpose of the book is to provide practical advice for living a life that is in alignment with God's will. Proverbs 31 is a poetic tribute to the ideal woman, describing her various qualities and virtues. The passage is often recited in honor of women, particularly on Mother's Day and International Women's Day, as a celebration of their strength, wisdom, and character.
The verse begins with a rhetorical question, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" This question sets the stage for the following verses, which describe the qualities of a virtuous woman. By framing the passage with a question, the author invites the reader to consider the rarity and value of such a woman. The implication is that virtuous women are not easily found, and their worth is immeasurable.
The use of the word "virtuous" is significant in this context. In the original Hebrew, the word used is "chayil," which can be translated to mean strength, power, or ability. This suggests that a virtuous woman is not merely one who possesses moral goodness, but also one who is strong, capable, and resourceful. This aligns with the overarching theme of Proverbs 31, which emphasizes the industriousness and wisdom of the ideal woman.
The comparison of a virtuous woman's worth to that of rubies further underscores her value. Rubies are precious gemstones that have been prized for their beauty and rarity since ancient times. By likening the worth of a virtuous woman to that of rubies, the author elevates her importance and rarity. This comparison also highlights the enduring and timeless nature of a virtuous woman's worth, just as rubies have been esteemed throughout history.
The verse also serves as a commentary on the value of women in general. In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, women were often marginalized and undervalued. However, this passage challenges that perspective by declaring the immeasurable worth of a virtuous woman. It affirms the value of women as individuals and recognizes their unique contributions to society and the home.
In addition to its literal meaning, Proverbs 31:10 also carries symbolic significance. The virtuous woman described in this passage is often interpreted as a symbol of wisdom and righteousness. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul refers to the church as the "bride of Christ," using the imagery of a virtuous woman to illustrate the relationship between Christ and his followers. This interpretation emphasizes the spiritual significance of the verse and its relevance to all believers, regardless of gender.
Overall, Proverbs 31:10 is a powerful and profound declaration of the value and rarity of a virtuous woman. It sets the stage for the rest of the Proverbs 31 passage, which celebrates the strength, wisdom, and character of the ideal woman. In its historical, cultural, and spiritual context, this verse carries deep meaning and significance, inspiring reverence for women and affirming their immeasurable worth.
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Proverbs 31:10 - "¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
"¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs 31:10-31 - "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 10:31 - "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out."
"The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish." - Proverbs 10:31
"The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out." - Proverbs 10:31
Proverbs:31:28
Proverbs 31:21
Proverbs 31:31 - "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
Proverbs 8:22-31
Proverbs 21:31 - "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."
Proverbs 3:31 - "¶ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
Proverbs 15:31 - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
Proverbs 16:31 - "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
Proverbs 31:5 - "Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted."
Proverbs 31:1 - "The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him."
Proverbs 31:17 - "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."
Proverbs 31:13 - "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
Proverbs 31:8 - "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction."
Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.
Proverbs 1:31 - "Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."
Proverbs 30:31 - "A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up."
Proverbs 31:9 - "Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:19 - "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
Proverbs 31:24 - "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
Proverbs 31:25 - "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
Proverbs 31:26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 11:31 - "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."
Proverbs 31:29 - "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."