SEV Biblia, Chapter 31:10
¶ Alef Mujer valiente, ¿quin la hallar? Porque su valor pasa largamente a la de piedras preciosas.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:10
Verse 10. Who can find a virtuous woman? ] This and the following verses are acrostic, each beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet: ver. 10, a aleph; ver. 11, b beth; ver. 12, g gimel ; and so on to the end of the chapter, the last verse of which has the letter t tau. From this to the end of the chapter we have the character of a woman of genuine worth laid down; first, in general, ver. 10-12; secondly, in its particular or component parts, ver. 13-29; and, thirdly, the summing up of the character, ver. 30, 31. I. Her general character.
1. She is a virtuous wo man-a woman of power and strength. lyj ta esheth chayil, a strong or virtuous wife, full of mental energy.
2. She is invaluable; her price is far above rubies-no quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. Who can find a virtuous woman , etc.] This part of the chapter is disjoined from the rest in the Septuagint and Arabic versions; and Huetius thinks it is a composition of some other person, and not Lemuels mother, whose words he supposes end at ( Proverbs 31:9); but it is generally thought that what follows to the end of the chapter is a continuance of her words, in which she describes a person as a fit wife for her son. Some think that Bathsheba gave the materials, the sum and substance of this beautiful description, to Solomon; who put it in the artificial form it is, each verse beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order till the whole is gone through; though rather it seems to be a composition of Solomons, describing the character and virtues of his mother Bathsheba. But, be this as it will, the description is drawn up to such a pitch, and wrote in such strong lines, as cannot agree with any of the daughters of fallen Adam, literally understood; not with Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon; nor with the Virgin Mary, as the Papists, who, they fancy, was immaculate and sinless, of which there is no proof; nor indeed with any other; for though some parts of the description may meet in some, and others in others, yet not all in one; wherefore the mystical and spiritual sense of the whole must be sought after. Some by the virtuous woman understand the sensitive soul, subject to the understanding and reason, as Gersom; others the Scriptures, as Lyra, which lead to virtue, contain much riches in them, far above rubies; in which men may safely confide as the rule of their faith and practice; and will do them good, and not evil, continually. Others, Wisdom, who in the beginning of this book is represented as a woman making provision for her household, and said to be more precious than rubies; and is to be understood of Christ; which I should have readily given into, but that this virtuous woman is said to have a husband, ( Proverbs 31:11,23,28); which cannot agree with Christ, who is himself the husband of his church and people, which church of his, I think, is here meant; nor is this a novel sense of the passage, but what is given by many of the ancient Christian writers, as Ambrose, Bede, and others; and whoever compares ( Proverbs 31:28,29), with ( Song of Solomon 6:8,9), will easily see the agreement; and will be led to observe that Solomon wrote both, and had a view to one and the same person, the church of Christ, who is often represented by a woman, ( Isaiah 54:51:5,6 Galatians 3:26 Revelation 12:1); a woman grown and marriageable, as the Gospel church may be truly said to be, in comparison of the Jewish church, which was the church in infancy; a woman actually married to Christ; a woman fruitful, bringing forth many children to him; a woman beautiful, especially in his eyes, with whom she is the fairest among women; a woman, the weaker vessel, unable to do anything without him, yet everything through him: a virtuous one, inviolably chaste in her love and affection to Christ, her husband; steadfast in her adherence, to him by faith, as her Lord and Saviour; incorrupt in doctrine, sincere and spiritual in worship, retaining the purity of discipline, and holiness of life; and holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience: or a woman of strength f936 , valour, and courage, as the word signifies, when used of men, ( Samuel 16:18 Psalm 76:6); The church is militant, has many enemies, and these powerful and mighty, as well as cunning and crafty; yet, with all their power and policy, cannot overcome her; the gates of hell cannot prevail against her; she engages with them all, and is more than a conqueror over them; she is of great spiritual strength, which she, has from Christ, to fight the Lords battles, to withstand every enemy, to exercise grace, and do every good work; and all her true members persevere to the end: or a woman of riches f937 ; that gets wealth and, riches by her wisdom and prudence, so Aben Ezra; a woman of fortune, as is commonly said: such is the church of Christ, through his unsearchable riches communicated to her; riches of grace she now possesses, and riches of glory she is entitled to. But who can find such an one? there is but one to be found f938 ; though there are many particular churches, there is but one church of the firstborn, consisting of Gods elect, of which Christ is the head and husband, ( Song of Solomon 6:9); and there is but one that could find her: even her surety, Saviour, and Redeemer; compare with this ( Revelation 5:3-5). This supposes her lost, as she was in Adam; Christs seeking of her, as he did in redemption, and does in effectual calling; and who perfectly knows her, and all her members, and where they are; and whom he finds out, and bestows on them the blessings of grace and goodness; for her price [is] far above rubies ; showing the value Christ her husband puts upon her, the esteem she is had in by him; who reckons her as his portion and inheritance; as preferable to the purest gold, and choicest silver; as his peculiar treasure; as his jewels, and more valuable than the most precious stones: this appears by his undertaking for her; by doing and suffering what he has on her account; the price he has paid for her is far above rubies; she is bought with a price, but not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ; the ransom price paid for her is himself, who is more precious than rubies, and all the things that can be desired, ( 1 Peter 1:18,19 1 Timothy 2:6 Proverbs 3:15).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 10-31 - This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very carefu to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, an he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. An she makes it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one tha takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is carefu to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applie herself to the business proper for her, to women's business. She doe what she does, with all her power, and trifles not. 3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many und themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter. 4. Sh looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to d their duty to God and one another, as well as to her. 5. She is inten upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully. 6. Sh is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she govern herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measure herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love an kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. He heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy abou this world. 7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceive many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever. 8 She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. Sh shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was no idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. Sh is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tre must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to prais her. Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; an according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. Thi description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly belove and respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, whic is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
אשׁת 802 חיל 2428 מי 4310 ימצא 4672 ורחק 7350 מפנינים 6443 מכרה׃ 4377
