Proverbs 31:25-26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:25-26

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 Meaning

Proverbs 31:25-26 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” These verses describe a woman of noble character who possesses inner strength, dignity, wisdom, and kindness. She is not afraid of the future and approaches life with confidence and joy.

Proverbs 31:25-26 Commentary and Explanation

Proverbs 31:25-26 is a passage that provides us with a beautiful depiction of a virtuous and capable woman.

In verse 25, we read, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” This verse paints a vivid picture of a woman who possesses both inner and outer strength. The phrase “strength and dignity are her clothing” implies that her character is marked by qualities like integrity, honor, and moral uprightness. She doesn’t rely solely on physical beauty or material possessions to define her worth. Instead, her strength comes from a deep-rooted faith and trust in God, which enables her to face life’s challenges with grace and composure.

The idea of laughing at the time to come suggests her confidence in God’s providence. This confidence echoes the message found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Just as this virtuous woman trusts in God’s plan, we too should place our trust in Him, knowing that He is in control of our future.

Moving on to verse 26, it says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” This verse highlights her wisdom and her gentle, kind nature. Her words are not rash or thoughtless but are filled with wisdom and grace. It reminds us of the importance of our speech as believers.

Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Just as this virtuous woman uses her words to promote kindness and understanding, we should also strive to speak words of wisdom and love in our interactions with others.

Additionally, Proverbs 31:26 underscores the idea of teaching kindness. It reminds us that our actions and words should be a source of encouragement and edification to those around us. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which includes kindness, and we are called to cultivate these qualities in our lives to reflect the character of Christ.

Proverbs 31:25-26 provides us with a profound example of a woman of strength, dignity, wisdom, and kindness. As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to emulate these qualities in our own lives, relying on God’s strength and trusting in His plan for our future. May our words and actions be a testament to the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Context of Proverbs 31:25-26

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, often attributed to King Solomon. Proverbs 31 is unique as it introduces a portrait of an ideal woman, known as the “wife of noble character.” These verses serve as a conclusion to the description of this remarkable woman and summarize her outstanding qualities.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 31:25-26

“She is clothed with strength and dignity”: This phrase emphasizes the inner character of the virtuous woman. Her strength and dignity come from her relationship with God and her commitment to living a godly life.

“She laughs without fear of the future”: This depicts the woman’s faith and trust in God. She does not allow worries about tomorrow to overwhelm her but finds joy in the present and confidently embraces whatever lies ahead.

“When she speaks, her words are wise”: The virtuous woman possesses wisdom and discernment in her speech. She speaks with understanding and insight, seeking to bring wisdom and guidance to those around her.

“She gives instructions with kindness”: This verse highlights the woman’s kindness and compassion towards others. She doesn’t just offer wisdom, but she does so with gentleness and grace.

Lessons from Proverbs 31:25-26

1. Cultivate inner strength: Just like the virtuous woman, we can seek to clothe ourselves with spiritual strength by relying on God’s guidance and leaning on His promises. This strength enables us to face any challenges that come our way.

2. Embrace the present and the future without fear: By trusting in God’s faithfulness and goodness, we can let go of our worries about the future. Instead of being burdened by our anxieties, we can find joy in each day, knowing that God is in control.

3. Harness the power of wise words: We should prioritize speaking words of wisdom and kindness. When we allow God’s wisdom to guide our speech, we can offer encouragement, guidance, and understanding to those around us.

4. Combine wisdom with kindness: Our interactions with others should be marked by kindness and compassion. When we provide instruction, correction, or advice, let it be done with gentleness and love.

Biblical Translations of Proverbs 31:25-26

Proverbs 31:25-26 King James Version (KJV)

“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.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 English Standard Version (ESV)

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

“Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”

Proverbs 31:25-26 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.”

Final Thoughts

Proverbs 31:25-26 presents an inspiring picture of a woman of noble character, emphasizing her strength, wisdom, and kindness. As believers, we can apply these qualities in our own lives by seeking strength from God, living without fear, speaking words of wisdom, and demonstrating kindness and compassion.

May we strive to become men and women of God who exemplify these noble traits in our interactions with others, reflecting His love and grace to the world.