Proverbs 31:20–24

PROVERBS CHAPTER 31.

Proverbs for Lemuel, which his Mother Taught Him

THE ABCs OF THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN. — V. 20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, spreading out both hands with gifts for the unfortunate; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy, always ready to help such as are truly in need.

V. 21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, having used the proper foresight, she need not fear the cold of winter for those dependent upon her; for all her household are clothed with scarlet, heavy woolen material, both warm and of prosperous appearance.

V. 22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry, coverlets and hangings to decorate her home; her clothing is silk and purple, made of fine Egyptian byssus and of cloth dyed with reddish-purple from Phoenicia. Moreover, her influence extends beyond the confines of her home.

V. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, where the most influential citizens were wont to assemble, when he sitteth among the elders of the land, an important and famous personage.

V. 24. She maketh fine linen, shirts and underclothes, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant, literally, to the Canaanite, for the Phoenician merchants were the most prominent at that time.