She opens her mouth with wisdom
This phrase highlights the virtue of wisdom, a central theme in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom in the biblical context is not merely knowledge but the application of divine principles in daily life. The woman described here embodies the ideal of a wise person, reflecting the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Her wisdom is practical, guiding her actions and words. This mirrors the wisdom of Solomon, who asked God for an understanding heart to govern his people (1 Kings 3:9). The opening of her mouth signifies intentionality and purpose, suggesting that her words are carefully considered and rooted in a deep understanding of God's truth.

and faithful instruction is on her tongue
The term "faithful instruction" implies teaching that is reliable, trustworthy, and consistent with God's Word. This aligns with the biblical mandate for believers to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on oral tradition and the passing down of wisdom from one generation to the next. This woman serves as a teacher within her household and community, much like the role of a prophetess or wise woman in Israel (e.g., Deborah in Judges 4-5). Her instruction is not only faithful in content but also in delivery, characterized by love and integrity. This reflects the nature of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher and whose words are spirit and life (John 6:63).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Virtuous Woman
The subject of Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing the epitome of godly womanhood. She embodies wisdom, strength, and virtue.

2. King Lemuel
The chapter is introduced as the sayings of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him. This context suggests that the virtues described are those that a mother would want her son to seek in a wife.

3. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs 31 is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued, and the role of women was primarily centered around the home and family.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. The virtuous woman uses her words to impart wisdom and instruction, reminding us to speak thoughtfully and with purpose.

Wisdom as a Lifestyle
Wisdom is not just about knowledge but about living out godly principles in everyday life. The Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies this through her actions and speech.

Faithful Instruction
The phrase "faithful instruction" implies teaching that is reliable and trustworthy. As Christians, we are called to share God's truth with integrity and consistency.

Role of Women in Ministry
This passage highlights the significant role women can play in teaching and guiding others, both within the family and the broader community.

Cultivating a Godly Character
The virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman are attainable through a relationship with God and the cultivation of a godly character, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:26?2. How can we apply "wisdom" and "kindness" in our daily conversations?3. What does Proverbs 31:26 teach about the power of our words?4. How does Proverbs 31:26 connect with James 3:5-6 on speech?5. In what ways can we cultivate "kindness" in our interactions with others?6. How can we ensure our speech reflects the "wisdom" mentioned in Proverbs 31:26?7. How does Proverbs 31:26 define wisdom and kindness in speech?8. What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 31:26?9. How does Proverbs 31:26 challenge modern views on communication?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?11. What defines a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?12. How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?13. What defines a godly mother?14. What defines a Christian family?

What Does Proverbs 31:26 Mean

She opens her mouth

Proverbs 31:26 starts by simply noting that the virtuous woman speaks. Her words are not impulsive; she decides when to open her mouth.

• Proverbs 10:19 reminds that “when words are many, sin is unavoidable.” She avoids that pitfall by speaking purposefully.

• James 1:19 urges believers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” Her restraint reflects that counsel.

• Luke 6:45 teaches that “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Her choice to speak reveals a heart already saturated with truth.

with wisdom

Once she speaks, her words carry weight and insight that come from fearing the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

• James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit.” Her speech mirrors that description.

• Proverbs 15:2 notes that “the tongue of the wise adorns knowledge.” She doesn’t just recite facts; she frames them so they nourish others.

and faithful instruction

The phrase speaks of reliable, covenant-loyal teaching—guidance anchored in God’s unchanging Word.

• Titus 2:3-5 calls older women to “teach what is good” so the next generation flourishes; her instruction fulfills that role.

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages parents to impress God’s commands on their children; her lessons echo Moses’ charge.

• Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” Her counsel springs from Scripture living richly within her.

is on her tongue

Truth is not occasionally pulled from a shelf; it resides right on her tongue, ready for every moment.

• Psalm 37:30 observes that “the mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.”

• Proverbs 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,” showing constant readiness to speak what pleases God.

Practical outflow:

– She speaks consistently, not sporadically, about the Lord’s ways.

– Her household learns to expect guidance that aligns with Scripture, whether in crisis or routine.

summary

Proverbs 31:26 paints a picture of a woman whose speech is deliberate, wise, and saturated with trustworthy, Scripture-shaped teaching. She controls when she speaks, draws her content from God’s wisdom, and keeps timeless truth ever ready on her tongue, blessing everyone within earshot.

(26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom.--She is not a mere household drudge, with no thought beyond providing food and clothing for her family. She cares for their higher interests, and knows how to guide them with her wisdom.

In her tongue is the law of kindness.--Kindness is the law by which she regulates all her words.

Verse 26. - PE. She openeth her mouth with wisdom. She is not merely a good housewife, attending diligently to material interests; she guides her family with words of wisdom. When she speaks, it is not gossip, or slander, or idle talk, that she utters, but sentences of prudence and sound sense, such as may minister grace to the hearers. The Septuagint has this verse before ver. 25, and the first hemistich Again. after ver. 27. So in Lamentations 2, 3, 4, the pe and ayin vetoes change places. This is also the case in Psalm 37. In the former passage the LXX: renders, "She openeth her mouth heedfully and lawfully (προεχόντως καὶ ἐννόμως);" and in the other, "wisely and in accordance with law (σοφῶς καὶ νομοθέσμως)." In her tongue is the law of kindness (thorath chesed); i.e. her language to those around her is animated and regulated by love. As mistress of a family, she has to teach and direct her dependents, and she performs this duty with gracious kindness and ready sympathy. Septuagint, "She places order on her tongue." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

She opens
פָּתְחָ֣ה (pā·ṯə·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

her mouth
פִּ֭יהָ (pî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

with wisdom,
בְחָכְמָ֑ה (ḇə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and faithful
חֶ֝֗סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

instruction
וְתֽוֹרַת־ (wə·ṯō·w·raṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

is on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

her tongue.
לְשׁוֹנָֽהּ׃ (lə·šō·w·nāh)
Noun - common singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

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