Proverbs 31:13

KJV

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

She seeketh {H1875} wool {H6785}, and flax {H6593}, and worketh {H6213} willingly {H2656} with her hands {H3709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She procures a supply of wool and flax and works with willing hands.

Berean Standard Bible

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

American Standard Version

She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:13 introduces a foundational characteristic of the virtuous woman: her proactive and diligent engagement in productive labor. This verse portrays her as an industrious and resourceful individual who actively seeks out raw materials like wool and flax, and then processes them with a willing and cheerful spirit. It highlights her direct involvement in providing for her household's needs, underscoring her commitment to the well-being and comfort of her family through her own hands-on effort and joyful disposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:13 is an integral part of an acrostic poem (verses 10-31), where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This extended passage describes the "woman of valor" (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, _ʼēshet-ḥayil_), a term indicating strength, capability, and moral excellence. The poem is presented as the wise counsel of King Lemuel's mother, instructing him on the qualities of an ideal wife and homemaker. Following the introductory verses that praise her worth above rubies and her trustworthiness ([Proverbs 31:10-12](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-12 - Introduction to the Woman of Valor")), verse 13 immediately dives into her practical, hands-on diligence, setting the stage for the many ways she contributes to her household's prosperity and reputation. It establishes her active, rather than passive, role in household management.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the household was the primary economic unit, and women played a crucial role in its productivity and sustenance. Textile production was a labor-intensive but essential industry for every family, providing clothing, blankets, and other necessities. Wool (from sheep) and flax (a plant fiber) were the primary raw materials for spinning thread and weaving cloth. The process involved numerous steps, from preparing the raw fibers to spinning, dyeing, and weaving. A woman's ability to manage these tasks efficiently and to produce high-quality textiles was a sign of her skill, resourcefulness, and contribution to the family's economic stability and social standing. Her "hands" were her primary tools, and her work was not merely domestic chore but a vital economic activity that directly impacted her family's comfort and reputation, as seen in later verses like [Proverbs 31:21-22](/proverbs/31-21 "Proverbs 31:21-22 - Her Provision of Clothing").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs 31 and the broader book. Firstly, it exemplifies **Diligence and Industry**, portraying the woman as actively seeking out materials and engaging in labor, contrasting sharply with the sluggard often critiqued in Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Warning Against Laziness")). Secondly, it highlights **Resourcefulness and Practical Wisdom**, as she understands the process of textile production and proactively ensures her household's needs are met. Her actions are not just busywork but purposeful and productive. Thirdly, the phrase "worketh willingly" introduces the theme of **Joyful Labor and Willing Service**, suggesting that her efforts stem not from compulsion but from an eager and cheerful disposition, finding delight in her contributions. This willingness elevates her work from mere duty to a joyful expression of her character and love for her family, aligning with the wisdom that finds satisfaction in labor ([Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Finding Good in Toil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seeketh (Hebrew, _dârash'_ H1875):** This primitive root means "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." In this context, it denotes an active, diligent, and intentional pursuit. The virtuous woman doesn't passively wait for materials to come to her; she goes out and "searches" or "requires" them. This implies foresight, planning, and a proactive approach to her responsibilities, reflecting a deep commitment to her household's provision.
* **worketh (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_ H6213):** A very broad and widely applied primitive root meaning "to do or make." It encompasses a vast range of actions, from accomplishing and performing to fashioning and producing. Here, it signifies her direct engagement in the physical labor of transforming raw materials (wool and flax) into usable goods. It underscores her practical skill and the tangible results of her efforts, emphasizing that her industry is not just about acquiring but about actively creating and contributing.
* **willingly (Hebrew, _chêphets'_ H2656):** Derived from a root meaning "to desire," this word signifies "pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing." When applied to her work, it indicates that her labor is not done grudgingly or out of mere obligation, but with delight, eagerness, and a genuine desire to contribute. This "willingness" transforms her work from a burden into a joyful expression of her character and purpose, making her efforts even more commendable and effective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She seeketh wool, and flax":** This clause highlights the woman's initiative and foresight. She actively searches for and procures the raw materials necessary for textile production. "Wool" and "flax" were the primary fibers used in ancient Israel for making clothing and other fabrics, representing essential household commodities. Her "seeking" implies both an understanding of what is needed and the diligence to acquire it, demonstrating her resourcefulness and proactive management of household resources.
* **"and worketh willingly with her hands.":** This second clause emphasizes her active participation in the labor and, crucially, her attitude towards it. "Worketh" signifies her hands-on involvement in processing the materials, likely spinning thread and preparing for weaving. The addition of "willingly" (Hebrew _chêphets_) indicates that this work is not a chore performed under duress but a task embraced with pleasure, desire, and a cheerful disposition. Her "hands" are the instruments of her labor, symbolizing her direct, physical effort and skill. This phrase paints a picture of a woman who finds satisfaction and purpose in her productive contributions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:13 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "wool, and flax" stand in for the broader concept of raw materials and the entire process of textile production, which was central to ancient household economy. This specific mention allows the reader to visualize her practical, hands-on engagement. The phrase "worketh willingly with her hands" uses **Synecdoche**, where "hands" represent her entire physical effort and skill, emphasizing her direct, personal involvement and the tangible nature of her labor. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching **Personification** of wisdom throughout Proverbs, as the virtuous woman embodies practical, applied wisdom in her diligent and joyful work. The contrast between her active "seeking" and "willing" work and the common biblical theme of slothfulness (often found elsewhere in Proverbs) also creates a subtle **Antithesis**, highlighting her exemplary character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:13 introduces the virtuous woman's diligent and willing labor, a theme deeply rooted in biblical theology. Her active pursuit of materials and cheerful work ethic are not merely practical skills but reflections of a character aligned with God's design for humanity to be productive and to find joy in their labor. This verse grounds the abstract concept of wisdom in concrete, everyday actions, demonstrating that true wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge but practical application in managing one's life and household. It underscores the dignity of labor, particularly in providing for one's family, and sets a precedent for a life of purposeful contribution rather than idleness. The "willingness" she exhibits transforms her work into an act of joyful service, reflecting a heart that is content and purposeful in its calling.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - The Hand of the Diligent")
* [Proverbs 12:24](/proverbs/12-24 "Proverbs 12:24 - Diligence Leads to Leadership")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:13 offers profound insights for contemporary life, extending far beyond the literal acts of seeking wool and flax. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of proactive diligence and willing engagement in all our responsibilities, whether in our professional careers, our homes, our communities, or our spiritual lives. The virtuous woman doesn't wait for tasks to be assigned or for resources to appear; she actively identifies needs and applies herself wholeheartedly to meeting them. Her "willingness" transforms work from a burdensome obligation into a joyful expression of purpose and contribution. This verse encourages us to find dignity and satisfaction in our labor, to approach our duties with a cheerful heart, and to recognize that our efforts, no matter how mundane they may seem, contribute to the well-being of those around us and bring glory to God. It calls us to be resourceful, to take initiative, and to embrace the principle that meaningful contribution often requires diligent, hands-on effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to be passive, and how can I cultivate a more proactive and "seeking" mindset?**
* **What does it mean for me to "work willingly" in my current responsibilities, and how can I foster a more joyful attitude towards my tasks?**
* **How does my daily labor, whether paid or unpaid, contribute to the well-being of my household, community, or the broader world?**
* **Am I embracing the dignity of work, or do I view certain tasks as beneath me or as mere chores?**

### FAQ
**What does "wool, and flax" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Wool, and flax" refer to the primary raw materials used for textile production in ancient Israel. Wool came from sheep and was used for warmer garments, while flax, a plant fiber, was processed to make linen, which was lighter and often used for fine clothing and priestly garments. The mention of these two materials signifies the woman's comprehensive involvement in producing all types of fabric necessary for her household's clothing, bedding, and other textile needs. It highlights her skill in managing the entire process from raw material acquisition to finished product.

**Why is the "willingness" of her work so important?**

Answer: The "willingness" (Hebrew _chêphets_) of her work is crucial because it speaks to her inner disposition and character, elevating her actions beyond mere duty. It implies that she performs her tasks with pleasure, desire, and a cheerful heart, rather than grudgingly or out of compulsion. This willing spirit demonstrates a profound commitment and a joyful embrace of her responsibilities, making her labor not just productive but also a reflection of her virtuous character. It suggests she finds satisfaction and purpose in her contributions, setting an example for all who seek to serve with integrity and joy, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 31:13 describes the virtues of an exemplary earthly woman, it ultimately points to the ultimate "Man of Valor," Jesus Christ, and the nature of His redemptive work. Just as the virtuous woman actively "seeketh wool, and flax" and "worketh willingly with her hands" to provide for her household, so too did Christ willingly and proactively undertake the work of our salvation. He did not passively wait for humanity to seek Him, but actively "came to seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save")). His entire ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was performed "willingly" and with delight in fulfilling the Father's will, even to the point of enduring immense suffering ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross for Joy")). He is the true provider who, through His "hands" (His active work and sacrifice), clothed us in His righteousness, replacing our rags of sin with garments of salvation ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")). The industry and willing spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman foreshadow the boundless diligence and joyful obedience of Christ, who perfectly accomplished the work given to Him, providing abundantly for His spiritual household, the Church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 2:5

[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Timothy 5:10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Acts 9:39

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Genesis 24:13

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: