Prov 31 confusion?
Q: So recently someone told me Proverbs 31 is not about being a virtuous woman but is a recap of all the previous chapters. And it refers to wisdom as female as 31 refers to it being a woman.
"She is more precious than jewels…"
Proverbs 8:11 - for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and discusses how she works (wisdom is not being slothful).
Those are just some examples that were used.
So basically if you follow the wisdom that is in the first 30 chapters your life will look like chapter 31?? Is this wrong??
A: Satan and his minions sure like to twist, alter, & edit the Bible to decieve people.
Historically, Proverbs 31:10–31 has been understood to describe a real, godly woman, not a poetic personification of Lady Wisdom like in chapters 1–9. The structure of the passage shifts into an acrostic poem, beginning with a clear and literal question:
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” (Proverbs 31:10, ESV)
There’s no metaphorical language here—only detailed, practical examples of a woman who fears the Lord: working with her hands, managing her household, providing for her family, and helping the poor. These are not symbolic actions.
Charles Spurgeon called Proverbs 31:
“a looking-glass for all Christian women, and a model which they should diligently imitate.”
He did not see it as an allegory but as a portrait of a real woman who honors the Lord.
Voddie Baucham also teaches that:
“The Proverbs 31 woman is the culmination of biblical womanhood. She’s not symbolic—she’s real. This is wisdom in action.”
John MacArthur, agrees:
“This is not allegory—it is a portrait of a woman who applies wisdom in her daily life.”
Some have said that interpreting the woman as symbolic of wisdom might encourage men to read it for themselves. But that concern seems unnecessary when we remember that all Scripture is profitable for teaching (2 Tim. 3:16). Men can—and should—learn from Proverbs 31, not by making the woman symbolic, but by admiring and emulating the virtues she displays: diligence, faith, strength, generosity, and reverence for the Lord.
It also seems that the recent interpretation of this woman as “Lady Wisdom” comes largely from modern egalitarian readings, where the goal may be to detach gender-specific application. But historically, this was never the understanding of faithful biblical commentators.
The traditional interpretation has been so consistent.... until recent liberal times.
And for men, this passage is not only an example of godly virtues to admire and learn from, but also a biblical guide for seeking a wife, a woman who fears the Lord, whose life displays the fruit of wisdom. Proverbs 31 is meant to instruct, inspire, and direct both men and women in honoring the Lord according to His design.
Hope that helps.
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