Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Her speech isn't just polite; it's governed by a "law of kindness," meaning kindness is the fundamental principle, the deep-seated custom that directs her every word. This isn't merely outward pleasantness but a profound inner disposition, showing that true wisdom naturally flows into gracious communication.
This verse is part of the final poem in Proverbs, which paints a picture of an excellent wife and mother, often called "the woman of noble character." It culminates a detailed description of her diligent work ethic, business acumen, and care for her family, showing that her positive influence extends beyond physical labor into her verbal interactions. She doesn't just manage her household well; she also wisely guides and nurtures those around her with her words.
It's easy to let words fly without thinking. But what if every word was a deliberate act of wisdom?
This verse highlights that the virtuous woman's speech isn't just random chatter. It's marked by "wisdom." This means her words are not foolish, idle, or out of place. Instead, they are thoughtful, discerning, and appropriate to the situation. Think of it as having a wise filter on your thoughts before they become words. Her speech is not about being silent, but about speaking when and what is needed, with understanding and good judgment.
We often think of kindness as an emotion. Here, it's presented as something more structured, like a 'law.'
The phrase 'the teaching of kindness is on her tongue' is powerful. It suggests that kindness isn't just a fleeting feeling but a principle that governs her speech. It's a consistent practice, a 'law' that guides her communication. This means her words are not harsh, provoking, or unkind, even when addressing difficult matters. Instead, they are gracious, amiable, and meant to build up, not tear down. Her wisdom and kindness work together, making her counsel both effective and gentle.
Understand the original words
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The ability to discern, judge, and act rightly according to God's standards; it is both a practical skill for living and a gift from God.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
Often translated as 'lovingkindness' or 'steadfast love' (hesed), it refers to God's loyal, covenantal love; when applied to human speech, it implies instructions rooted in covenantal faithfulness and grace.
This passage describes Jesus speaking with gracious words, highlighting how kindness in speech, combined with divine wisdom, captivates and draws people in, mirroring the virtuous woman's approach.
Colossians 4:6Paul's instruction to let speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, directly echoes the principle in Proverbs 31:26, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and kind communication.
James 1:19James urges believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, a wisdom that underpins the virtuous woman's careful and kind speech.
Ephesians 4:29This verse commands against unwholesome talk, urging instead words that build others up, reflecting the 'law of kindness' that governs the wise woman's tongue.
pooleProverbs 31:26: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; she is neither sullenly silent, nor full of vain and impertinent talk, as many women are, but speaks directly and piously, as occasion offereth itself. In her tongue is the law of kindness; her speeches are not froward and provoking, as those of foolish women frequently are, but most obliging and amiable, as being guided by wisdom and grace, and not by inordinate lus…
clarkeProverbs 31:26: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Strength and honor are her clothing - 16. All the articles manufactured by herself or under her care have a double perfection: 1. They are strong. 2. They are elegant; Strength and honor are her clothing; and on account of this she shall rejoice in time to come; she shall never have occasion to blush for any thing she has made, for any thing she or hers have worn, or for any thing she has sold. Beside…
Her speech isn't just polite; it's governed by a "law of kindness," meaning kindness is the fundamental principle, the deep-seated custom that directs her every word. This isn't merely outward pleasantness but a profound inner disposition, showing that true wisdom naturally flows into gracious communication.
This verse is part of the final poem in Proverbs, which paints a picture of an excellent wife and mother, often called "the woman of noble character." It culminates a detailed description of her diligent work ethic, business acumen, and care for her family, showing that her positive influence extends beyond physical labor into her verbal interactions. She doesn't just manage her household well; she also wisely guides and nurtures those around her with her words.
This verse is part of the final poem in Proverbs, which paints a picture of an excellent wife and mother, often called "the woman of noble character." It culminates a detailed description of her diligent work ethic, business acumen, and care for her family, showing that her positive influence extends beyond physical labor into her verbal interactions. She doesn't just manage her household well; she also wisely guides and nurtures those around her with her words.
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"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." — Her speech isn't just polite; it's governed by a "law of kindness," meaning kindness is the fundamental principle, the deep-seated custom that directs her every word. This isn't merely outward pleasa…
