Proverbs 31:24
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This woman isn't just skilled in homemaking; she's a savvy entrepreneur, creating and selling specialized garments like fine linen shirts and ornate belts. The mention of selling to "the merchant" (or "Canaanite") highlights her engagement in wider trade, bringing outside wealth and industry into her home.
This verse highlights the virtuous woman's entrepreneurial spirit, expanding on her industry beyond her household. It follows descriptions of her skillful textile production and provision for her family, emphasizing her ability to create and trade valuable linen garments and ornate girdles with merchants, likely Phoenicians known for their trade. This demonstrates her competence in commerce and her contribution to the household's prosperity, showcasing a holistic picture of her capabilities.
We often picture the Proverbs 31 woman solely within the home. But what if her influence extended far beyond its walls?
This verse reveals a profound economic dimension to her character. She isn't just managing a household; she's actively engaged in production and trade.
A Businesswoman
The text specifies "linen garments" and "sashes" (or girdles). These weren't just for her family; they were manufactured goods for sale. The original language suggests these were likely fine, perhaps even luxurious, items.
Strategic Partnerships
She "delivereth them to the merchant." This highlights her business acumen. She understands how to connect her production with the marketplace, dealing with traders (historically, often referred to as 'Canaanites' or 'Phoenicians') who facilitated broader commerce.
In a world that can devalue practical skills, this woman’s industry is presented as a hallmark of her worth.
The Proverbs 31 woman is celebrated not just for her character but for her capable hands and industrious spirit. This verse emphasizes the tangible results of her labor.
Tangible Creations
She "maketh fine linen" and "girdles." These are not abstract achievements but physical products. The commentary notes these garments could be quite fine and the girdles often ornate and valuable, requiring significant skill to produce.
Economic Contribution
Her ability to sell these items and provide them to merchants means she is contributing economically, not just within her household but to the broader society. Her work has real value and is sought after.
This passage speaks of skilled artisans being filled with the Spirit to make all kinds of fine-cut work, including linen garments and sashes, highlighting the divine enablement for such craftsmanship seen in Proverbs 31.
1 Kings 10:28This verse mentions linen garments being imported and sold to Solomon, showing that the trade in fine linens and related apparel was a significant and established business in ancient times, just as this woman participated in.
Jeremiah 13:1The prophet is told to get a linen sash, which is a specific item of clothing that can become ruined, illustrating the type of valuable, yet perishable, item this woman might have been producing and selling.
Ezekiel 27:11This chapter describes the merchants of Tyre and their trade, mentioning fine linen and embroidered girdles, connecting the commercial aspect of the virtuous woman's work to the broader context of ancient trade routes and valuable textiles.
Luke 12:35Jesus' instruction to 'be dressed ready for service' uses the imagery of a 'belted' or 'girdled' loins, a common practice where girdles were functional and sometimes ornate, linking the practical and potentially decorative nature of girdles to spiritual readiness.
pooleProverbs 31:24: "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
Curiously wrought of linen, and gold, or other precious materials, Jeremiah 13:1 Daniel 10:5 , which in those parts were used both by men, 2 Samuel 20:8 , and by women, Isaiah 3:24 Song of Solomon 7:1 .
clarkeProverbs 31:24: "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it - 15. She is here remarkable for carrying on a traffic of splendid and ornamental dresses, or habits, as she is, Proverbs 31:13, for "a coarser manufacture," The סדון sidon is supposed to come from the Arabic; and to signify a kind of loose inner garment, shirt, chemise, or fine muslin covering. Some of these are so exceedingly fine, like the abrooam, that wh…
This woman isn't just skilled in homemaking; she's a savvy entrepreneur, creating and selling specialized garments like fine linen shirts and ornate belts. The mention of selling to "the merchant" (or "Canaanite") highlights her engagement in wider trade, bringing outside wealth and industry into her home.
This verse highlights the virtuous woman's entrepreneurial spirit, expanding on her industry beyond her household. It follows descriptions of her skillful textile production and provision for her family, emphasizing her ability to create and trade valuable linen garments and ornate girdles with merchants, likely Phoenicians known for their trade. This demonstrates her competence in commerce and her contribution to the household's prosperity, showcasing a holistic picture of her capabilities.
This verse highlights the virtuous woman's entrepreneurial spirit, expanding on her industry beyond her household. It follows descriptions of her skillful textile production and provision for her family, emphasizing her ability to create and trade valuable linen garments and ornate girdles with merchants, likely Phoenicians known for their trade. This demonstrates her competence in commerce and her contribution to the household's prosperity, showcasing a holistic picture of her capabilities.
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"She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant." — This woman isn't just skilled in homemaking; she's a savvy entrepreneur, creating and selling specialized garments like fine linen shirts and ornate belts. The mention of selling to "the merchant" (o…
