Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
NIV · New International Version
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
WEB · World English Bible
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
What does Proverbs 31:25 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 31:25
Strength and honour are her clothing,.... Strength, not of body, but of mind. The church is clothed with strength, as her Lord, head, and husband, is said to be, Psalm 93:1; and which she has from him; for though she is the weaker vessel, and weak in herself, yet is strong in him; and is able to bear and do all things, with a fortitude of mind to withstand every enemy, and persevere in well doing: and she is clothed with "honour"; with honourable garments, suitable to her rank and dignity; in cloth of gold, in raiment of needlework; with the garments of salvation, and the robe of righteousness; and she shall rejoice in time to come; Aben Ezra interprets it of old age, or of the world to…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 31:10–31
She has the comfort and satisfaction of her virtue in her own mind (Pro 31:25): Strength and honour are her clothing, in which she wraps herself, that is, enjoys herself, and in which she appears to the world, and so recommends herself. She enjoys a firmness and constancy of mind, has spirit to bear up under the many crosses and disappointments which even the wise and virtuous must expect to meet with in this world; and this is her clothing, for defence as well as decency. She deals honourably with all, and she has the pleasure of doing so, and shall rejoice in time to come; she shall reflect upon it with comfort, when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when she was…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 31:22–28 (WEB)
22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue. 27She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
Cross references
- Job 40:10
“Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.
- Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
- 1 Timothy 2:10
but with good works, which is appropriate for women professing godliness.
- Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
- Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD! My soul will be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
- Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My justice was as a robe and a diadem.
- 1 Peter 5:5–6
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Psalms 132:9