Strength
and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Proverbs 31 [20.] She opens her arms to the poor;
yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected in the gates,
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
Proverbs 31 [25.] Strength and dignity are her clothing.
She laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom.
Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you excel them all.”
Meaning:
- The Virtuous Woman:
Final Chapter of Proverbs: Proverbs 31 concludes the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and teachings focused on wisdom and living a righteous life. The final chapter is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Model of Wisdom: The woman described in this chapter is often seen as a model of wisdom and virtue, embodying the qualities that the book of Proverbs extols.
- Key Elements of the Verse:
Strength and Dignity: These qualities are metaphorically described as her clothing, suggesting that they are intrinsic to her character and evident to all who see her. Strength indicates her ability to handle challenges, while dignity implies a sense of honor and self-respect.
Laughs at the Time to Come: This phrase suggests a sense of confidence and peace about the future. She is not anxious or fearful about what lies ahead because her trust is in God, and she is prepared for whatever comes.
Theological Significance
- Inner Strength and Outer Expression:
God-Given Strength: The strength mentioned here is not merely physical but includes moral and spiritual fortitude. It is a strength that comes from a relationship with God and a life lived in accordance with His wisdom.
Dignity as a Reflection of God’s Image: Dignity reflects the inherent worth and value that comes from being created in the image of God. This woman’s dignity is evident in her conduct, speech, and interactions with others.
- Confidence in God’s Providence:
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Laughing at the time to come indicates a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and care. She faces the future with joy and confidence because she knows God is in control.
Preparation and Wisdom: Her confidence also stems from her wisdom and preparedness. She has made wise choices, managed her resources well, and lived responsibly, all of which contribute to her peace about the future.
Applications for Our Lives
- Cultivating Inner Strength and Dignity:
Strength in God: Seek to cultivate a strength that comes from a deep relationship with God. Spend time in prayer, study Scripture, and rely on the Holy Spirit to build your moral and spiritual fortitude.
Living with Dignity: Live in a way that reflects your inherent worth as a child of God. Let your actions, words, and interactions with others be marked by respect, honor, and integrity.
- Facing the Future with Confidence:
Trusting God’s Plan: Develop a trust in God’s plan and sovereignty. Know that He is in control, even when the future seems uncertain. This trust can bring peace and joy, allowing you to face the future without fear.
Being Prepared: Like the virtuous woman, be prepared for the future. Make wise decisions, manage your resources well, and live responsibly. This practical wisdom contributes to a sense of security and confidence about what lies ahead.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 3:25-26: "Don’t be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes: for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being taken." These verses highlight the importance of trusting in the LORD for confidence and security, similar to the confidence of the woman in Proverbs 31:25.
1 Peter 3:3-4: "Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." Peter speaks to the value of inner qualities over outward appearance, resonating with the idea of strength and dignity being her clothing.
Psalm 46:5: "God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn." This verse underscores the stability and strength that come from God’s presence, echoing the confidence of the woman in Proverbs 31:25.
Conclusion: Proverbs 31:25 paints a beautiful picture of a woman who embodies strength, dignity, and confidence in God. Her inner qualities of moral and spiritual strength are evident in her outward demeanor, and her trust in God allows her to face the future with joy and peace. This verse encourages us to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, relying on God’s strength, living with dignity, and trusting His plan for the future.
By seeking a deep relationship with God, living honorably, and being prepared for whatever comes, we can face the future with the same confidence and joy as the virtuous woman. This not only benefits us but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us of the peace and security found in a life anchored in God’s wisdom and love.