Isaiah 17

Isaiah 17:1

She Works for the Family and the Poor

She has bought raw materials for clothing (Proverbs 31:13) and done her business. In the evening, by the light of the lamp (Proverbs 31:18), she is going to process the wool and flax into cloth (Proverbs 31:19), from which she can then make clothes. She knows how to use the spinning wheel. We see her skill in the description.

The church should also know how to make clothing, that is, it should be aware of the ways in which it is clothed with spiritual clothing. Thus believers are clothed with the garments of salvation and with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Paul knew how to clothe believers with these, that is, he explained to them what their position in Christ is. Believers are clothed with Christ. Especially in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains what that means.

The wife cares for her family, but in doing so she does not forget those who are poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20). She is socially compassionate. Possibly she also made clothes for them, or at least distributed to them from what she had (cf. Acts 9:36-39). That she extends her hand to the poor person means that she gives to him willingly and generously (Psalms 112:9). She does not rebuff him with a tip. Stretching out her hands to the needy adds the thought of compassion. These are the hands that have been hard and skillful at work and not the hands of a lazy, rich woman. She uses her zeal in a generous and compassionate way.

The church may share what it has acquired in spiritual understanding with those less fortunate. She is not isolated in the world and does not sit in a corner with a book selfishly enjoying all the truths. There are many people who are spiritually poor and needy. To them she will extend her hand and to them she will stretch out her hands and distribute the spiritual blessings she has discovered.

She thinks not only of here and now, but also of the future (Proverbs 31:21). Winter is coming again. Every wife who has a family to manage starts thinking again about winter clothes at the end of summer. She wants to prepare her family well for the coming cold. When the cold comes, her family wears warm clothes. The clothes are not only warm, but also attractive. Husband and children look well groomed. She has taste.

The cold in the world does not bother her, for she provides a benevolent warmth of love in her home. Similarly, the church keeps the cold of the world at bay when warmth and love are present in it. Especially now this is desperately needed because we know that the end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7). The coldness of God’s judgments is slowly coming on. That is why we are told that above all we are to have fervent love for one another (1 Peter 4:8).

Isaiah 17:2

She Works for the Family and the Poor

She has bought raw materials for clothing (Proverbs 31:13) and done her business. In the evening, by the light of the lamp (Proverbs 31:18), she is going to process the wool and flax into cloth (Proverbs 31:19), from which she can then make clothes. She knows how to use the spinning wheel. We see her skill in the description.

The church should also know how to make clothing, that is, it should be aware of the ways in which it is clothed with spiritual clothing. Thus believers are clothed with the garments of salvation and with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Paul knew how to clothe believers with these, that is, he explained to them what their position in Christ is. Believers are clothed with Christ. Especially in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains what that means.

The wife cares for her family, but in doing so she does not forget those who are poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20). She is socially compassionate. Possibly she also made clothes for them, or at least distributed to them from what she had (cf. Acts 9:36-39). That she extends her hand to the poor person means that she gives to him willingly and generously (Psalms 112:9). She does not rebuff him with a tip. Stretching out her hands to the needy adds the thought of compassion. These are the hands that have been hard and skillful at work and not the hands of a lazy, rich woman. She uses her zeal in a generous and compassionate way.

The church may share what it has acquired in spiritual understanding with those less fortunate. She is not isolated in the world and does not sit in a corner with a book selfishly enjoying all the truths. There are many people who are spiritually poor and needy. To them she will extend her hand and to them she will stretch out her hands and distribute the spiritual blessings she has discovered.

She thinks not only of here and now, but also of the future (Proverbs 31:21). Winter is coming again. Every wife who has a family to manage starts thinking again about winter clothes at the end of summer. She wants to prepare her family well for the coming cold. When the cold comes, her family wears warm clothes. The clothes are not only warm, but also attractive. Husband and children look well groomed. She has taste.

The cold in the world does not bother her, for she provides a benevolent warmth of love in her home. Similarly, the church keeps the cold of the world at bay when warmth and love are present in it. Especially now this is desperately needed because we know that the end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7). The coldness of God’s judgments is slowly coming on. That is why we are told that above all we are to have fervent love for one another (1 Peter 4:8).

Isaiah 17:3

She Works for the Family and the Poor

She has bought raw materials for clothing (Proverbs 31:13) and done her business. In the evening, by the light of the lamp (Proverbs 31:18), she is going to process the wool and flax into cloth (Proverbs 31:19), from which she can then make clothes. She knows how to use the spinning wheel. We see her skill in the description.

The church should also know how to make clothing, that is, it should be aware of the ways in which it is clothed with spiritual clothing. Thus believers are clothed with the garments of salvation and with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Paul knew how to clothe believers with these, that is, he explained to them what their position in Christ is. Believers are clothed with Christ. Especially in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains what that means.

The wife cares for her family, but in doing so she does not forget those who are poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20). She is socially compassionate. Possibly she also made clothes for them, or at least distributed to them from what she had (cf. Acts 9:36-39). That she extends her hand to the poor person means that she gives to him willingly and generously (Psalms 112:9). She does not rebuff him with a tip. Stretching out her hands to the needy adds the thought of compassion. These are the hands that have been hard and skillful at work and not the hands of a lazy, rich woman. She uses her zeal in a generous and compassionate way.

The church may share what it has acquired in spiritual understanding with those less fortunate. She is not isolated in the world and does not sit in a corner with a book selfishly enjoying all the truths. There are many people who are spiritually poor and needy. To them she will extend her hand and to them she will stretch out her hands and distribute the spiritual blessings she has discovered.

She thinks not only of here and now, but also of the future (Proverbs 31:21). Winter is coming again. Every wife who has a family to manage starts thinking again about winter clothes at the end of summer. She wants to prepare her family well for the coming cold. When the cold comes, her family wears warm clothes. The clothes are not only warm, but also attractive. Husband and children look well groomed. She has taste.

The cold in the world does not bother her, for she provides a benevolent warmth of love in her home. Similarly, the church keeps the cold of the world at bay when warmth and love are present in it. Especially now this is desperately needed because we know that the end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7). The coldness of God’s judgments is slowly coming on. That is why we are told that above all we are to have fervent love for one another (1 Peter 4:8).

Isaiah 17:4

She and Her Husband

In caring for others, she does not forget to care for herself as well (Proverbs 31:22). The “coverings” give her warmth. Her clothing of “fine linen and purple” prove her wealth and high rank. It is reminiscent of the rich man about whom the Lord Jesus tells, who was also clothed in purple and fine linen (Luke 16:19). The problem was not the clothes he wore, but that he “joyously living in splendor every day” while totally ignoring the poor who lay at his front gate. With him, this woman’s charity was completely absent.

The church has a high calling. Paul talks about this at length in Ephesians 1-3. There he shows the church, as it were, coverings and her worthy clothing. She “has been made pleasant in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6), clothed with Him. Then he calls her to walk “worthy of the calling” with which she has been called (Ephesians 4:1). How she can do that, he tells the following chapters (Ephesians 4-6).

Her dignity she does not have from herself, but she derives it from her husband (Proverbs 31:23). The “gate” is the place of the meeting of the elders, of the city council, where court cases are discussed (Rth 4:1-12). Her husband is busy looking after the interests of the city. He does not sit inconspicuously among “the elders of the land”, but is a man of distinction, a well-known leader.

The church is associated with a Husband Who is constantly working for the interests of the city, by which is also meant His church. In Revelation 21, the description of the bride suddenly switches to the city without any explanation (Revelation 21:9-10). The bride is the city. The question is whether He is so known everywhere and especially in the gates, the places of judgment, where we can think of the local churches. Is He in control there, is He given authority there?

The expression “sits among the elders” brings to mind Revelation 5, where we see the Lamb in the midst of the elders. The Lamb does not sit, but stands, as if slain. It can also be said of the Lamb that It is known in the gates. As mentioned, the gate is the place of government and administration. The throne of God speaks of that. The seven spirits, sent out from the throne show this. The knowledge that the twenty-four elders have of the Lamb is evidenced by falling down and worshiping, as we read at the end of Revelation 5. When John weeps because there is no one worthy to open the book and break the seals, one of the elders comforts him. This elder is familiar with the Lamb and points John to the Lion from the tribe of Judah.

Isaiah 17:5

She and Her Husband

In caring for others, she does not forget to care for herself as well (Proverbs 31:22). The “coverings” give her warmth. Her clothing of “fine linen and purple” prove her wealth and high rank. It is reminiscent of the rich man about whom the Lord Jesus tells, who was also clothed in purple and fine linen (Luke 16:19). The problem was not the clothes he wore, but that he “joyously living in splendor every day” while totally ignoring the poor who lay at his front gate. With him, this woman’s charity was completely absent.

The church has a high calling. Paul talks about this at length in Ephesians 1-3. There he shows the church, as it were, coverings and her worthy clothing. She “has been made pleasant in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6), clothed with Him. Then he calls her to walk “worthy of the calling” with which she has been called (Ephesians 4:1). How she can do that, he tells the following chapters (Ephesians 4-6).

Her dignity she does not have from herself, but she derives it from her husband (Proverbs 31:23). The “gate” is the place of the meeting of the elders, of the city council, where court cases are discussed (Rth 4:1-12). Her husband is busy looking after the interests of the city. He does not sit inconspicuously among “the elders of the land”, but is a man of distinction, a well-known leader.

The church is associated with a Husband Who is constantly working for the interests of the city, by which is also meant His church. In Revelation 21, the description of the bride suddenly switches to the city without any explanation (Revelation 21:9-10). The bride is the city. The question is whether He is so known everywhere and especially in the gates, the places of judgment, where we can think of the local churches. Is He in control there, is He given authority there?

The expression “sits among the elders” brings to mind Revelation 5, where we see the Lamb in the midst of the elders. The Lamb does not sit, but stands, as if slain. It can also be said of the Lamb that It is known in the gates. As mentioned, the gate is the place of government and administration. The throne of God speaks of that. The seven spirits, sent out from the throne show this. The knowledge that the twenty-four elders have of the Lamb is evidenced by falling down and worshiping, as we read at the end of Revelation 5. When John weeps because there is no one worthy to open the book and break the seals, one of the elders comforts him. This elder is familiar with the Lamb and points John to the Lion from the tribe of Judah.

Isaiah 17:6

She Sells and Delivers

She provided for her family, she cared for the poor, and her husband’s position has been clearly presented. Now she goes to work for those around her. She also wants to serve them with her abilities, but she charges a price for her services. This will increase her wealth as well as make the other person richer. What she sells and delivers is quality.

The church has much to offer, but sometimes a price must be asked for it. Truth must be bought (Proverbs 23:23). The sinner cannot pay anything to be saved. A person is saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). But the truth of God’s Word does not come easily to us. Learning the truth takes time and effort.

Isaiah 17:7

Wisdom and Prosperity

What characterizes her is reflected in the way she dresses. Her clothing shows who she is (Proverbs 31:22). In Proverbs 31:25, her clothing is mentioned again, but now in a different way. Her clothing, what is seen of her, is “strength and dignity”. She is a woman who radiates strength and excellence. Everything about her is dynamic and extremely beautiful. She faces life with a smile every morning. This is not hubris, but firm trust in God Who leads her life and gives her the strength for everything she does.

The church owes all strength and dignity with which it is clothed to the Lord Jesus. Strength and dignity belong to Him and He has placed them on her, clothed her with them (Luke 24:49). Strength and dignity are Divine attributes. They are attributes of God Himself and she exhibits them. In this we see the picture of the church as the Lamb’s wife who has made herself ready in a clothing of linen. On the one hand, she has made that clothing herself, for it speaks of the righteous deeds she has done. On the other hand, that clothing has been given to her, for it is God’s grace that has enabled her to do those righteous deeds (Revelation 19:7-8).

That awareness enables the church to “smile at the future”. We can think of this in terms of looking forward to the Lord’s coming for His own and also His coming afterward to earth with His own. She looks forward to what is coming, because everything is connected to Him Who is coming. Therefore, she rejoices in Him Who is coming. She loves His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

The excellent wife is not known as a talker and certainly not as a chatterbox or slanderer (cf. 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 2:3). That it says here that she opens her mouth means that she does not usually talk. But when she speaks, words of wisdom come out of her mouth. Then it appears that there is “teaching” on her tongue that she gives in “kindness”.

Her discussions to persuade someone come from a sound mind. And her teaching, the instruction she gives, is trustworthy. The second sentence of Pro 31:26 literally says that “the law of kindness” is on her tongue. What she says does not repel, but invites one to adopt the saying. It is pleasant to listen to her.

Teaching in the church is characterized by wisdom and kindness. Kindness does not mean characterless sweetness. If opponents are to be reprimanded, it should be done in no uncertain terms. Yet it is important that it be done out of kindness, that is, the motive is to win the other person (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Before in Proverbs 31:28-31 others speak about her, the last of her virtues that is pointed to is her watchfulness (Proverbs 31:27). She does not let herself be deceived by her prosperity, as if because of all her efforts and the desired results, she can now go on her way carefree. No, as she works, she keeps a close eye on everything in her home. There lies the focus of her pursuits. Everything revolves around her family.

She knows what each member of the family is doing. She is alert to who and what enters her family and what the consequences are. This allows her to intervene in time if she perceives something that threatens a family member’s devotion to serving God. Resting on her laurels is not one of them. Even when she is ‘successful’, she does not eat “the bread of idleness”. She does not withdraw complacently to look at the results of her efforts with a sense of self-satisfaction. Her task is not finished as long as she has a family to manage.

Nor should the church believe that all is well and no one can deprive her of the blessings she has. It is against this kind of complacency that Paul warns the Thessalonians. He says to them, while including himself: “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). The command is: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2), “and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Isaiah 17:8

Wisdom and Prosperity

What characterizes her is reflected in the way she dresses. Her clothing shows who she is (Proverbs 31:22). In Proverbs 31:25, her clothing is mentioned again, but now in a different way. Her clothing, what is seen of her, is “strength and dignity”. She is a woman who radiates strength and excellence. Everything about her is dynamic and extremely beautiful. She faces life with a smile every morning. This is not hubris, but firm trust in God Who leads her life and gives her the strength for everything she does.

The church owes all strength and dignity with which it is clothed to the Lord Jesus. Strength and dignity belong to Him and He has placed them on her, clothed her with them (Luke 24:49). Strength and dignity are Divine attributes. They are attributes of God Himself and she exhibits them. In this we see the picture of the church as the Lamb’s wife who has made herself ready in a clothing of linen. On the one hand, she has made that clothing herself, for it speaks of the righteous deeds she has done. On the other hand, that clothing has been given to her, for it is God’s grace that has enabled her to do those righteous deeds (Revelation 19:7-8).

That awareness enables the church to “smile at the future”. We can think of this in terms of looking forward to the Lord’s coming for His own and also His coming afterward to earth with His own. She looks forward to what is coming, because everything is connected to Him Who is coming. Therefore, she rejoices in Him Who is coming. She loves His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

The excellent wife is not known as a talker and certainly not as a chatterbox or slanderer (cf. 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 2:3). That it says here that she opens her mouth means that she does not usually talk. But when she speaks, words of wisdom come out of her mouth. Then it appears that there is “teaching” on her tongue that she gives in “kindness”.

Her discussions to persuade someone come from a sound mind. And her teaching, the instruction she gives, is trustworthy. The second sentence of Pro 31:26 literally says that “the law of kindness” is on her tongue. What she says does not repel, but invites one to adopt the saying. It is pleasant to listen to her.

Teaching in the church is characterized by wisdom and kindness. Kindness does not mean characterless sweetness. If opponents are to be reprimanded, it should be done in no uncertain terms. Yet it is important that it be done out of kindness, that is, the motive is to win the other person (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Before in Proverbs 31:28-31 others speak about her, the last of her virtues that is pointed to is her watchfulness (Proverbs 31:27). She does not let herself be deceived by her prosperity, as if because of all her efforts and the desired results, she can now go on her way carefree. No, as she works, she keeps a close eye on everything in her home. There lies the focus of her pursuits. Everything revolves around her family.

She knows what each member of the family is doing. She is alert to who and what enters her family and what the consequences are. This allows her to intervene in time if she perceives something that threatens a family member’s devotion to serving God. Resting on her laurels is not one of them. Even when she is ‘successful’, she does not eat “the bread of idleness”. She does not withdraw complacently to look at the results of her efforts with a sense of self-satisfaction. Her task is not finished as long as she has a family to manage.

Nor should the church believe that all is well and no one can deprive her of the blessings she has. It is against this kind of complacency that Paul warns the Thessalonians. He says to them, while including himself: “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). The command is: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2), “and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Isaiah 17:9

Wisdom and Prosperity

What characterizes her is reflected in the way she dresses. Her clothing shows who she is (Proverbs 31:22). In Proverbs 31:25, her clothing is mentioned again, but now in a different way. Her clothing, what is seen of her, is “strength and dignity”. She is a woman who radiates strength and excellence. Everything about her is dynamic and extremely beautiful. She faces life with a smile every morning. This is not hubris, but firm trust in God Who leads her life and gives her the strength for everything she does.

The church owes all strength and dignity with which it is clothed to the Lord Jesus. Strength and dignity belong to Him and He has placed them on her, clothed her with them (Luke 24:49). Strength and dignity are Divine attributes. They are attributes of God Himself and she exhibits them. In this we see the picture of the church as the Lamb’s wife who has made herself ready in a clothing of linen. On the one hand, she has made that clothing herself, for it speaks of the righteous deeds she has done. On the other hand, that clothing has been given to her, for it is God’s grace that has enabled her to do those righteous deeds (Revelation 19:7-8).

That awareness enables the church to “smile at the future”. We can think of this in terms of looking forward to the Lord’s coming for His own and also His coming afterward to earth with His own. She looks forward to what is coming, because everything is connected to Him Who is coming. Therefore, she rejoices in Him Who is coming. She loves His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

The excellent wife is not known as a talker and certainly not as a chatterbox or slanderer (cf. 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 2:3). That it says here that she opens her mouth means that she does not usually talk. But when she speaks, words of wisdom come out of her mouth. Then it appears that there is “teaching” on her tongue that she gives in “kindness”.

Her discussions to persuade someone come from a sound mind. And her teaching, the instruction she gives, is trustworthy. The second sentence of Pro 31:26 literally says that “the law of kindness” is on her tongue. What she says does not repel, but invites one to adopt the saying. It is pleasant to listen to her.

Teaching in the church is characterized by wisdom and kindness. Kindness does not mean characterless sweetness. If opponents are to be reprimanded, it should be done in no uncertain terms. Yet it is important that it be done out of kindness, that is, the motive is to win the other person (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Before in Proverbs 31:28-31 others speak about her, the last of her virtues that is pointed to is her watchfulness (Proverbs 31:27). She does not let herself be deceived by her prosperity, as if because of all her efforts and the desired results, she can now go on her way carefree. No, as she works, she keeps a close eye on everything in her home. There lies the focus of her pursuits. Everything revolves around her family.

She knows what each member of the family is doing. She is alert to who and what enters her family and what the consequences are. This allows her to intervene in time if she perceives something that threatens a family member’s devotion to serving God. Resting on her laurels is not one of them. Even when she is ‘successful’, she does not eat “the bread of idleness”. She does not withdraw complacently to look at the results of her efforts with a sense of self-satisfaction. Her task is not finished as long as she has a family to manage.

Nor should the church believe that all is well and no one can deprive her of the blessings she has. It is against this kind of complacency that Paul warns the Thessalonians. He says to them, while including himself: “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). The command is: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2), “and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Isaiah 17:10

She and Her Works Are Praised

The characteristics of the excellent wife have been described in detail in the preceding verses. This provokes a response expressing appreciation for her. That appreciation comes from four sides: from her children, from her husband (Proverbs 31:28-29), from the LORD and from her works (Proverbs 31:30-31). Of all people, her children and her husband know her best. They are best able to judge the value of who she is and what she does and has done.

“Her children” are the first to speak out (Proverbs 31:28). They “rise up”. ‘Rising up’ describes an activity that prepares the expression of their esteem (cf. Genesis 37:35). It is like rising up to give someone a standing ovation. It is an attitude appropriate to what they are about to say. It expresses not only appreciation but also admiration and reverence. Then they bless her. Thereby, through her, all the glory goes to God Who has blessed her so much. To be praised by the children is worth much more than all the profit she has made from her trade.

“Her husband … praises her”. He expresses his great appreciation for the support she has always given him and for the commitment with which she has always served him. This has enabled him to fulfill his calling. She has more than excellently managed his family. The family actually belongs to both the husband and the wife, but surely the wife provides the lion’s share in the management. How good and important it is for a husband to openly express his appreciation for his wife.

He adds that she surpasses all other women, including their daughters who, like her, “have done nobly” (Proverbs 31:29). The daughters did so in imitation of her; they learned from her.

Whether the words of Pro 31:30 are also said by the husband is not entirely clear. Perhaps Lemuel’s mother spoke these words to warn her son not to rely on appearance. Behind a graceful appearance may be a depraved character. And external beauty is impermanent, not permanent, but disappears in time.

He must be aware that a woman’s virtue is not in her outward beauty, but in her inward fellowship with the LORD (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). Therefore, when choosing a wife, he should pay particular attention to whether she is a woman “who fears the LORD”. That woman “will be praised” by the LORD and also by her family. The same applies to the church. It is not about all kinds of outwardly attractive things, all kinds of spiritual gifts that are attractive to the eye. It is about reverence for and devotion to the Lord. That is important when we judge a local church.

“The product of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31) speaks of what she has accomplished through hard work. The results of her labor may give her satisfaction. She has earned that. She herself will say that it is all grace. And it is. At the same time, there has also been unbridled effort, appreciated by the Lord and by all who look at her with His eyes. The Lord will reward all that has been done for Him.

Her works are of special quality. They are to be praised “in the gates”. There, where her husband sits among the elders of the land (Proverbs 31:23), there should be appreciation for her. A wife who runs a family well is an example for any kind of government. City and state governments would do well to recognize the work of such women and follow their example. Then there would be hope for a society that is now a mess because of the many broken families partly because of women who pursue only their own interests.

Not the beauty of the woman, but her works bring her praise. She is praised because of the product of her hands. By the fruit, the tree is known. If the fruit is good, the tree is also good. She reaps praise from all she has sown in terms of investment in education, from all the care she has given to her husband and her children.

The driving force in her is the fear of the LORD. Emphasis is placed at the end of the book on this most important aspect of wisdom with which the book also began (Proverbs 1:7).

It is no different for the church. Only through reverence for God is it able to express itself in a way that will reap praise from God.

Isaiah 17:11

She and Her Works Are Praised

The characteristics of the excellent wife have been described in detail in the preceding verses. This provokes a response expressing appreciation for her. That appreciation comes from four sides: from her children, from her husband (Proverbs 31:28-29), from the LORD and from her works (Proverbs 31:30-31). Of all people, her children and her husband know her best. They are best able to judge the value of who she is and what she does and has done.

“Her children” are the first to speak out (Proverbs 31:28). They “rise up”. ‘Rising up’ describes an activity that prepares the expression of their esteem (cf. Genesis 37:35). It is like rising up to give someone a standing ovation. It is an attitude appropriate to what they are about to say. It expresses not only appreciation but also admiration and reverence. Then they bless her. Thereby, through her, all the glory goes to God Who has blessed her so much. To be praised by the children is worth much more than all the profit she has made from her trade.

“Her husband … praises her”. He expresses his great appreciation for the support she has always given him and for the commitment with which she has always served him. This has enabled him to fulfill his calling. She has more than excellently managed his family. The family actually belongs to both the husband and the wife, but surely the wife provides the lion’s share in the management. How good and important it is for a husband to openly express his appreciation for his wife.

He adds that she surpasses all other women, including their daughters who, like her, “have done nobly” (Proverbs 31:29). The daughters did so in imitation of her; they learned from her.

Whether the words of Pro 31:30 are also said by the husband is not entirely clear. Perhaps Lemuel’s mother spoke these words to warn her son not to rely on appearance. Behind a graceful appearance may be a depraved character. And external beauty is impermanent, not permanent, but disappears in time.

He must be aware that a woman’s virtue is not in her outward beauty, but in her inward fellowship with the LORD (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). Therefore, when choosing a wife, he should pay particular attention to whether she is a woman “who fears the LORD”. That woman “will be praised” by the LORD and also by her family. The same applies to the church. It is not about all kinds of outwardly attractive things, all kinds of spiritual gifts that are attractive to the eye. It is about reverence for and devotion to the Lord. That is important when we judge a local church.

“The product of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31) speaks of what she has accomplished through hard work. The results of her labor may give her satisfaction. She has earned that. She herself will say that it is all grace. And it is. At the same time, there has also been unbridled effort, appreciated by the Lord and by all who look at her with His eyes. The Lord will reward all that has been done for Him.

Her works are of special quality. They are to be praised “in the gates”. There, where her husband sits among the elders of the land (Proverbs 31:23), there should be appreciation for her. A wife who runs a family well is an example for any kind of government. City and state governments would do well to recognize the work of such women and follow their example. Then there would be hope for a society that is now a mess because of the many broken families partly because of women who pursue only their own interests.

Not the beauty of the woman, but her works bring her praise. She is praised because of the product of her hands. By the fruit, the tree is known. If the fruit is good, the tree is also good. She reaps praise from all she has sown in terms of investment in education, from all the care she has given to her husband and her children.

The driving force in her is the fear of the LORD. Emphasis is placed at the end of the book on this most important aspect of wisdom with which the book also began (Proverbs 1:7).

It is no different for the church. Only through reverence for God is it able to express itself in a way that will reap praise from God.

Isaiah 17:12

She and Her Works Are Praised

The characteristics of the excellent wife have been described in detail in the preceding verses. This provokes a response expressing appreciation for her. That appreciation comes from four sides: from her children, from her husband (Proverbs 31:28-29), from the LORD and from her works (Proverbs 31:30-31). Of all people, her children and her husband know her best. They are best able to judge the value of who she is and what she does and has done.

“Her children” are the first to speak out (Proverbs 31:28). They “rise up”. ‘Rising up’ describes an activity that prepares the expression of their esteem (cf. Genesis 37:35). It is like rising up to give someone a standing ovation. It is an attitude appropriate to what they are about to say. It expresses not only appreciation but also admiration and reverence. Then they bless her. Thereby, through her, all the glory goes to God Who has blessed her so much. To be praised by the children is worth much more than all the profit she has made from her trade.

“Her husband … praises her”. He expresses his great appreciation for the support she has always given him and for the commitment with which she has always served him. This has enabled him to fulfill his calling. She has more than excellently managed his family. The family actually belongs to both the husband and the wife, but surely the wife provides the lion’s share in the management. How good and important it is for a husband to openly express his appreciation for his wife.

He adds that she surpasses all other women, including their daughters who, like her, “have done nobly” (Proverbs 31:29). The daughters did so in imitation of her; they learned from her.

Whether the words of Pro 31:30 are also said by the husband is not entirely clear. Perhaps Lemuel’s mother spoke these words to warn her son not to rely on appearance. Behind a graceful appearance may be a depraved character. And external beauty is impermanent, not permanent, but disappears in time.

He must be aware that a woman’s virtue is not in her outward beauty, but in her inward fellowship with the LORD (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). Therefore, when choosing a wife, he should pay particular attention to whether she is a woman “who fears the LORD”. That woman “will be praised” by the LORD and also by her family. The same applies to the church. It is not about all kinds of outwardly attractive things, all kinds of spiritual gifts that are attractive to the eye. It is about reverence for and devotion to the Lord. That is important when we judge a local church.

“The product of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31) speaks of what she has accomplished through hard work. The results of her labor may give her satisfaction. She has earned that. She herself will say that it is all grace. And it is. At the same time, there has also been unbridled effort, appreciated by the Lord and by all who look at her with His eyes. The Lord will reward all that has been done for Him.

Her works are of special quality. They are to be praised “in the gates”. There, where her husband sits among the elders of the land (Proverbs 31:23), there should be appreciation for her. A wife who runs a family well is an example for any kind of government. City and state governments would do well to recognize the work of such women and follow their example. Then there would be hope for a society that is now a mess because of the many broken families partly because of women who pursue only their own interests.

Not the beauty of the woman, but her works bring her praise. She is praised because of the product of her hands. By the fruit, the tree is known. If the fruit is good, the tree is also good. She reaps praise from all she has sown in terms of investment in education, from all the care she has given to her husband and her children.

The driving force in her is the fear of the LORD. Emphasis is placed at the end of the book on this most important aspect of wisdom with which the book also began (Proverbs 1:7).

It is no different for the church. Only through reverence for God is it able to express itself in a way that will reap praise from God.

Isaiah 17:13

She and Her Works Are Praised

The characteristics of the excellent wife have been described in detail in the preceding verses. This provokes a response expressing appreciation for her. That appreciation comes from four sides: from her children, from her husband (Proverbs 31:28-29), from the LORD and from her works (Proverbs 31:30-31). Of all people, her children and her husband know her best. They are best able to judge the value of who she is and what she does and has done.

“Her children” are the first to speak out (Proverbs 31:28). They “rise up”. ‘Rising up’ describes an activity that prepares the expression of their esteem (cf. Genesis 37:35). It is like rising up to give someone a standing ovation. It is an attitude appropriate to what they are about to say. It expresses not only appreciation but also admiration and reverence. Then they bless her. Thereby, through her, all the glory goes to God Who has blessed her so much. To be praised by the children is worth much more than all the profit she has made from her trade.

“Her husband … praises her”. He expresses his great appreciation for the support she has always given him and for the commitment with which she has always served him. This has enabled him to fulfill his calling. She has more than excellently managed his family. The family actually belongs to both the husband and the wife, but surely the wife provides the lion’s share in the management. How good and important it is for a husband to openly express his appreciation for his wife.

He adds that she surpasses all other women, including their daughters who, like her, “have done nobly” (Proverbs 31:29). The daughters did so in imitation of her; they learned from her.

Whether the words of Pro 31:30 are also said by the husband is not entirely clear. Perhaps Lemuel’s mother spoke these words to warn her son not to rely on appearance. Behind a graceful appearance may be a depraved character. And external beauty is impermanent, not permanent, but disappears in time.

He must be aware that a woman’s virtue is not in her outward beauty, but in her inward fellowship with the LORD (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). Therefore, when choosing a wife, he should pay particular attention to whether she is a woman “who fears the LORD”. That woman “will be praised” by the LORD and also by her family. The same applies to the church. It is not about all kinds of outwardly attractive things, all kinds of spiritual gifts that are attractive to the eye. It is about reverence for and devotion to the Lord. That is important when we judge a local church.

“The product of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31) speaks of what she has accomplished through hard work. The results of her labor may give her satisfaction. She has earned that. She herself will say that it is all grace. And it is. At the same time, there has also been unbridled effort, appreciated by the Lord and by all who look at her with His eyes. The Lord will reward all that has been done for Him.

Her works are of special quality. They are to be praised “in the gates”. There, where her husband sits among the elders of the land (Proverbs 31:23), there should be appreciation for her. A wife who runs a family well is an example for any kind of government. City and state governments would do well to recognize the work of such women and follow their example. Then there would be hope for a society that is now a mess because of the many broken families partly because of women who pursue only their own interests.

Not the beauty of the woman, but her works bring her praise. She is praised because of the product of her hands. By the fruit, the tree is known. If the fruit is good, the tree is also good. She reaps praise from all she has sown in terms of investment in education, from all the care she has given to her husband and her children.

The driving force in her is the fear of the LORD. Emphasis is placed at the end of the book on this most important aspect of wisdom with which the book also began (Proverbs 1:7).

It is no different for the church. Only through reverence for God is it able to express itself in a way that will reap praise from God.