Her Children Call Her Blessed: What Does Proverbs 31:28 Mean?

Proverbs 31:28, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationProverbs 31:28
ESVHer children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
NASBHer children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
NIVHer children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
NLTHer children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

Also, see the meaning of Christ In You the Hope of Glory in the Bible.

Her Children Call Her Blessed: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

31:10-31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband’s esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her.

1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good.

2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women’s business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not.

3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter.

4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her.

5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully.

6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others.

The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world.

7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever.

8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations.

If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments.

This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse?

God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described.

Also, see the meaning of In the Twinkling of an Eye in the Bible.

Proverbs 31:28 | Poole Bible Commentary

Her children; whose testimony is the more considerable, because they have been constant eye-witnesses of her whole carriage, and therefore must have seen her misdemeanours, if there had been any, as well as her virtues.

Arise up; either,

  1. In token of reverence to her, which agrees not to the following clause, wherein the same phrase is understood concerning her husband. Or rather,
  2. That they may seriously and industriously apply themselves to the work of setting forth her praises, as this phrase is used, Genesis 37:25 Exodus 2:17, and oft elsewhere. For sitting being commonly the posture of idleness, men that set about any work are said to rise in order thereunto.

Call her blessed, both for her own excellency, and for many happy fruits which they have gathered from her wise and godly education.

He praiseth her, in the following words.

Also, see the meaning of Jesus Is the Same Yesterday Today and Forever in the Bible.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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