Proverbs 31:18

KJV

She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.

KJV (with Strong's)

She perceiveth {H2938} that her merchandise {H5504} is good {H2896}: her candle {H5216} goeth not out {H3518} by night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She sees that her business affairs go well; her lamp stays lit at night.

Berean Standard Bible

She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

American Standard Version

She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:18 offers a profound insight into the character of the virtuous woman, highlighting her astute business acumen and unwavering diligence. This verse portrays her as a discerning individual who not only recognizes the quality and value of her endeavors but also maintains a tireless work ethic, symbolized by a lamp that remains lit throughout the night, signifying continuous productivity, preparedness, and prosperity within her household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:18 is an integral part of the acrostic poem (Proverbs 31:10-31) that concludes the book of Proverbs. This encomium, or praise poem, describes the "eshet chayil" (woman of valor/virtuous woman), presenting an idealized portrait of a capable and industrious wife and mother. Each verse, starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, builds upon the previous one, detailing various facets of her exemplary character, from her financial stewardship and household management to her compassion, wisdom, and spiritual depth. Verse 18 specifically follows descriptions of her productive labor (Proverbs 31:13-17), emphasizing the quality and continuity of her work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the household was the primary economic unit, and women played a crucial role in its management and prosperity. While men engaged in public life and agriculture, women were often responsible for domestic industries, including spinning, weaving, food preparation, and managing household resources. The "merchandise" (Hebrew: *çachar*) mentioned here suggests involvement in trade, which was not uncommon for women of means, whether through selling surplus goods produced at home or engaging in small-scale commerce. The "candle" or lamp was essential for nighttime activities, as artificial light sources were rudimentary. A lamp that "goeth not out by night" would signify not only continuous work but also a well-resourced home, as fuel for lamps could be costly, and a dark home implied poverty or neglect.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **wisdom in practice**, demonstrating how discernment (perceiving "good" merchandise) translates into tangible, beneficial outcomes. It highlights **diligence and industry**, portraying a woman whose commitment to her responsibilities is unwavering, echoing the calls for hard work found throughout Proverbs, such as the admonition to learn from the ant's industry in [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard!"). The continuous burning lamp also symbolizes **preparedness and foresight**, a readiness to meet needs and challenges at any hour, a theme found in other wisdom literature and even parables like the [ten virgins](/matthew/25-1 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"). Finally, it speaks to **prosperity and blessing** as a natural consequence of diligent and wise stewardship, where efforts are not in vain but yield good fruit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perceiveth (Hebrew, _ṭâʻam'_):** From H2938, this word primarily means "to taste," but figuratively, it extends to "to perceive" or "to discern." In this context, it speaks to the woman's keen judgment and insightful evaluation. She doesn't merely observe; she deeply understands and assesses the quality and profitability of her goods or ventures, indicating a sophisticated level of practical wisdom and business acumen.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this versatile word signifies "good" in the widest sense, encompassing quality, beauty, pleasantness, and benefit. When applied to her "merchandise," it means her products or ventures are not just acceptable but are of high quality, beneficial, and perhaps even profitable. This suggests excellence in her work and the positive outcomes it yields.
* **candle (Hebrew, _nîyr'_); goeth not out (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** H5216 refers to a "lamp" or "light," often symbolizing life, prosperity, or guidance. H3518 means "to expire" or "to extinguish." The phrase "her candle goeth not out by night" therefore vividly depicts an unceasing light, symbolizing continuous activity, unflagging diligence, and constant vigilance. It implies that her work, productivity, or the light she provides to her household (literally and figuratively) never diminishes, even during the hours typically reserved for rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:"** This clause highlights the virtuous woman's discerning nature and astute judgment. She is not merely busy but is intentionally productive, evaluating the quality and value of her goods or the results of her labor. This perception implies an understanding of market value, a commitment to excellence, and an ability to ensure her efforts are fruitful and beneficial, contributing positively to her household's well-being.
* **"her candle goeth not out by night."** This powerful metaphorical statement underscores her extraordinary diligence and tireless work ethic. The "candle" (lamp) symbolizes her active presence, productivity, and the light she brings to her home. Its continuous burning through the night signifies that her work, vigilance, and care are unceasing. It speaks to her dedication, preparedness, and perhaps her willingness to work long hours to ensure the welfare and prosperity of her family, demonstrating an enduring commitment that transcends the normal boundaries of day and night.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:18 masterfully employs **Symbolism** and **Metaphor** to convey its message. The "merchandise" (Hebrew: *çachar*) symbolizes the fruits of her labor, her business ventures, or her overall productivity, which she discerns to be "good." The most prominent device is the **metaphor** of the "candle" or lamp. In ancient times, a burning lamp was a common symbol of life, prosperity, guidance, and continuous activity. A lamp that "goeth not out by night" is a powerful **symbol** of unceasing diligence, tireless effort, and unwavering commitment. It evokes an image of constant vigilance and preparedness, suggesting that her work and care for her household never cease, even during the hours of darkness. This imagery also implies a state of consistent blessing and provision, as a lamp needing constant fuel and attention would signify a well-managed and resourceful home.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the biblical emphasis on diligence, excellence, and wise stewardship. The virtuous woman's discerning eye for "good" merchandise and her unceasing "candle" illustrate a life lived with purpose and commitment, where hard work is not merely a chore but a vehicle for blessing and effective management of God-given resources. This dedication reflects a profound understanding that all labor, when done with excellence and integrity, can be an act of worship and a means of serving others, ensuring provision and stability. Her example challenges believers to cultivate a similar spirit of industry and discernment in all spheres of life, recognizing that God honors faithful effort.

* [Proverbs 22:29](/proverbs/22-29 "Proverbs 22:29 - Diligence and Skill Lead to Prominence")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing All for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:18 offers a timeless blueprint for a life marked by intentionality, quality, and perseverance. It calls us to be discerning in our endeavors, ensuring that our "merchandise"—whether our work, our relationships, our creative output, or our spiritual disciplines—is genuinely "good," reflecting excellence and integrity. Furthermore, the image of the unceasing lamp challenges us to cultivate a spirit of unwavering diligence and commitment. This isn't about burnout, but about consistent, purposeful effort that extends beyond convenience, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to bring light and blessing to our spheres of influence. It teaches us that true impact often comes from sustained, high-quality effort, fostering an environment of stability and productivity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater discernment to ensure my "merchandise" (my efforts, contributions) is truly "good"?**
* **How can I embody the "candle that goeth not out by night" in my daily responsibilities, demonstrating consistent diligence and preparedness?**
* **What does it mean for my work or service to bring "light" to my family, community, or workplace, even during challenging or "night" seasons?**

### FAQ
**Does "her candle goeth not out by night" mean the virtuous woman never sleeps?**

Answer: No, this phrase is a hyperbole and a metaphor, not a literal command to forgo sleep. In ancient times, a continuously burning lamp symbolized constant activity, vigilance, and prosperity. It signifies her exceptional diligence, preparedness, and the ongoing productivity within her household. It means she is not idle or negligent; her work and care are unceasing, and her household is well-managed and thriving, even through the night. It speaks to her commitment and foresight, ensuring that essential tasks are completed and her family's needs are met, much like the wise virgins who kept their lamps ready in [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 31 describes a human ideal, its principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus is the epitome of the discerning worker whose "merchandise"—His life, ministry, and redemptive work—was supremely "good." He perfectly perceived the will of the Father and executed it flawlessly, bringing forth the ultimate good for humanity (cf. [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Furthermore, Jesus is the true "candle" or "Light of the World" whose light "goeth not out by night." He declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). His work on the cross was a tireless, unceasing act of love and redemption, providing eternal light and life where there was only darkness. The diligence and excellence of the Proverbs 31 woman foreshadow the perfect, never-ending work of Christ, who continually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")) and whose light guides His church, empowering believers to also be lights in the world ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")).

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

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Matthew 25:3

They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Matthew 25:10

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Psalms 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Genesis 31:40

[Thus] I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.