Skip to main content

    Proverbs 31 (KJV)

    Read Proverbs chapter 31 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Proverbs 31

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Proverbs 31:25

    "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice …"

    Proverbs 31:30

    "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fe…"

    Proverbs 31:10

    "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above ru…"

    Proverbs 31:26

    "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the …"

    Proverbs 31:30

    "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fe…"

    Popular Verses in Proverbs 31

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Proverbs 31:10 KJV

    Key Proverbs

    Proverbs 31:25 KJV

    Key Proverbs

    Proverbs 31:30 KJV

    Key Proverbs

    Explore Topics Related to Proverbs 31

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Bible Quiz

    Proverbs 31 Quiz — The Virtuous Woman

    King Lemuel's prophecy and the wife of noble character.

    Devotional

    Proverbs 31:30 — Meaning & Devotional

    Character

    Commentary

    Proverbs 31:30 Commentary

    In-depth study • True Beauty and Worth

    Commentary

    Proverbs 31:10 Commentary

    In-depth study • Virtue & Character

    Personality Quiz

    Which Proverbs 31 Quality Is Yours?

    Free KJV personality quiz from Proverbs 31 — which strength of the virtuous woma

    Bible Quiz

    King Solomon Quiz

    The wisest king of Israel — builder of the temple, author of Proverbs.

    Proverbs 31 Summary

    Proverbs 31 contains two sections: the counsel of King Lemuel's mother (verses 1-9) and the famous 'Virtuous Woman' poem (verses 10-31). The mother warns her son against women who destroy kings and wine that clouds judgment, urging him to defend the poor and needy.

    The Virtuous Woman acrostic poem presents an idealized portrait of a capable, enterprising, generous, and God-fearing woman. She manages a household, runs a textile business, invests in real estate, provides for the poor, speaks with wisdom, and is praised by her husband and children. The poem's climax: 'Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.' Her worth 'is far above rubies.'

    Key Themes

    Virtuous CharacterThe Fear of the LordIndustry and GenerosityInner Beauty

    Key Verses in Proverbs 31

    "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

    — Proverbs 31:10

    The opening sets the tone — true virtue is rare and immeasurably valuable.

    "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

    — Proverbs 31:25

    Her identity is rooted in character, not fashion — and her future is secure because of it.

    "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

    — Proverbs 31:30

    The chapter's thesis — external beauty fades but the fear of the Lord produces lasting praise.

    Life Application

    Proverbs 31 isn't a checklist to exhaust women but a portrait of what the fear of the Lord produces over a lifetime: industry, generosity, wisdom, strength, and joy. The real message applies to everyone: character outlasts charm, and fearing God is the foundation for a praiseworthy life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Proverbs 31 woman realistic?

    The poem is an acrostic ideal — a composite portrait of virtues, not a daily schedule one person maintains simultaneously. It describes a lifetime of character, not a single day's accomplishments. It celebrates capacity, enterprise, and godly character rather than prescribing a standard of perfection.

    Who was King Lemuel?

    Lemuel's identity is debated. Some scholars identify him as Solomon (Lemuel being a pet name from his mother Bathsheba). Others consider him an otherwise unknown king. The text emphasizes his mother's wisdom, suggesting the importance of maternal influence on leaders.

    Read the full summary of Proverbs

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read