Proverbs 31:21

KJV

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet.

KJV (with Strong's)

She is not afraid {H3372} of the snow {H7950} for her household {H1004}: for all her household {H1004} are clothed {H3847} with scarlet {H8144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; since all of them are doubly clothed.

Berean Standard Bible

When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

American Standard Version

She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:21 vividly portrays the virtuous woman's proactive diligence and the resulting security of her family. Far from being intimidated by the harshness of winter, symbolized by "snow," she has meticulously prepared, ensuring her household is adequately and even splendidly clothed. This verse underscores the profound peace and confidence that flow from wise stewardship, foresight, and tireless effort, demonstrating how a well-managed home provides a sanctuary of warmth and safety against life's challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the famous acrostic poem found in [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Woman of Valor"). Each verse in this section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, forming a comprehensive portrait of an ideal wife, mother, and community member. Following a general introduction in [Proverbs 31:10-12](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-12 - The Worth of a Virtuous Woman"), the poem details her various activities, from her industrious work with wool and flax ([Proverbs 31:13](/proverbs/31-13 "Proverbs 31:13 - Her Industriousness")) and her business acumen ([Proverbs 31:16](/proverbs/31-16 "Proverbs 31:16 - Her Business Acumen")) to her care for the poor ([Proverbs 31:20](/proverbs/31-20 "Proverbs 31:20 - Her Compassion")). Verse 21 specifically highlights her foresight and provision, building upon the themes of diligent labor and wise management established earlier in the passage. It sets the stage for her confident laughter at the future in [Proverbs 31:25](/proverbs/31-25 "Proverbs 31:25 - Her Strength and Dignity").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, winters, particularly in highland regions, could be severe, bringing snow, ice, and bitter cold. Protecting a household from such conditions required significant foresight and labor, especially in a pre-industrial society where heating and clothing options were limited. Clothing was often handmade, and materials like wool were essential for warmth. The mention of "scarlet" (Hebrew: _shaniy_) is culturally significant. This dye, derived from an insect, was expensive and indicated high quality, often associated with luxury, royalty, or priestly garments. It was not merely about being clothed, but being clothed well, with durable and warm materials. The household (`bayith`) in this context refers not just to the physical dwelling but to the entire family unit, including servants and dependents, all of whom were under the woman's care and provision.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 31:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. It exemplifies **wisdom in practical living**, showing how a discerning individual anticipates needs and acts proactively rather than reactively, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 22:3](/proverbs/22-3 "Proverbs 22:3 - The Prudent See Danger"). The verse also champions **diligent stewardship and provision**, demonstrating that true care for one's family extends to ensuring their physical well-being through tireless effort and sound management, aligning with principles of responsibility found in [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household"). Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **security and confidence born of preparedness**, contrasting a spirit of fear with the peace that comes from a life of discipline and foresight. This confidence is not rooted in self-reliance alone but in the wise application of God-given resources and abilities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to be in awe of." In this context, the negative "not afraid" (לֹא־תִירָא, _lo-tira_) indicates a lack of apprehension or dread concerning the coming winter. Her confidence stems not from ignorance of the potential hardship but from her diligent preparation, which has removed the basis for fear. This highlights a proactive, rather than reactive, posture towards life's challenges.
* **household (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," _bayith_ refers broadly to a "house" in its various applications, including the physical dwelling, the family unit, and all its members (children, servants, dependents). The repetition of "her household" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of her care; her provision extends to everyone under her roof, ensuring their collective well-being.
* **scarlet (Hebrew, _shânîy'_):** Of uncertain derivation, _shânîy_ refers to the crimson or scarlet color, produced from a specific insect (_coccus ilicis_) and the fabric dyed with it. This was a valuable and often luxurious dye, indicative of quality, warmth, and perhaps even status. It implies that her family is not merely clothed, but clothed in garments that are warm, durable, and of high quality, reflecting her abundant and thoughtful provision beyond mere necessity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She is not afraid of the snow for her household:"** This clause immediately establishes the woman's state of mind and the external challenge. "Snow" symbolizes the harshness and potential hardship of winter. Her "not afraid" signifies a profound sense of security and peace. This confidence is not a result of naiveté or denial, but a direct consequence of her prior actions and diligent preparation, which have preempted any reason for fear regarding her family's well-being in cold conditions.
* **"for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet."** This second clause provides the reason for her lack of fear, acting as a causal explanation introduced by "for." The fact that her entire household is "clothed with scarlet" underscores her thorough and excellent provision. "Scarlet" implies not just warmth and protection, but also quality and perhaps even beauty or dignity. It signifies that her family is well-equipped to face the winter, not just minimally, but abundantly, due to her foresight and labor.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:21 effectively employs **Symbolism** and **Contrast**. The "snow" serves as a potent symbol of hardship, scarcity, and the challenges of life that can bring fear and discomfort. In contrast, the "scarlet" clothing symbolizes warmth, security, quality, and abundant provision. The verse also presents a clear **Contrast** between fear and confidence, demonstrating that the woman's proactive diligence (symbolized by the scarlet garments) directly eliminates the basis for fear (symbolized by the snow). This highlights the principle that preparedness leads to peace. Additionally, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "scarlet" stands for the high-quality, warm garments themselves, emphasizing the superior nature of her provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the practical outworking of biblical wisdom, connecting diligent effort with tangible peace and security. It underscores the divine value placed on responsible stewardship and proactive care for one's family, reflecting God's own character as a provider and protector. The woman's foresight and industriousness are not merely good human traits but are rooted in a life lived in accordance with divine principles, demonstrating that true faith often expresses itself through practical, daily faithfulness. Her confidence in the face of future challenges is a testament to the fruit of wise living.

* [Proverbs 22:3](/proverbs/22-3 "Proverbs 22:3 - The Prudent See Danger")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:21 offers a timeless model for living a life marked by intentionality and care. It challenges us to move beyond a reactive stance towards life's uncertainties and instead cultivate a spirit of foresight and diligent preparation. This applies not only to material provision but also to spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. Just as the virtuous woman ensures her household is ready for winter, we are called to prepare for future challenges, whether financial, health-related, or spiritual. Our consistent, often unseen, efforts in daily tasks build a foundation of security and peace for ourselves and those entrusted to our care. When we faithfully steward our resources, time, and relationships, we can face the "snow" of life with confidence, knowing that our diligence, empowered by God's grace, provides a warm covering for our "household" in its broadest sense—our families, communities, and even our own souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or for your "household" (family, community, personal well-being) do you tend to be reactive rather than proactive?**
* **What "snow" (potential future challenges or hardships) do you anticipate, and what specific steps can you take now to prepare, physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **How does diligent, consistent effort in seemingly small tasks contribute to a larger sense of peace and security for yourself and those around you?**

### FAQ
**What does "clothed with scarlet" specifically imply beyond just warmth?**

Answer: Beyond mere warmth, "clothed with scarlet" (Hebrew: _shânîy_) implies several things. Firstly, it suggests **quality and durability**. Scarlet dye was expensive and typically applied to high-quality wool, indicating garments that were not only warm but also well-made and long-lasting. Secondly, it hints at **abundance and generosity**. The virtuous woman provides not just adequately but excellently, ensuring her family's comfort and dignity. Thirdly, while not the primary emphasis, it could subtly convey a sense of **honor or status**. In ancient cultures, expensive dyes were often associated with wealth or prominence, suggesting that the family, through the woman's efforts, maintained a respectable standing. This reflects a provision that goes beyond basic necessity to provide for well-being and honor, a theme consistent with God's desire for His people's flourishing, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings of Obedience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:21, with its depiction of diligent provision and freedom from fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the virtuous woman diligently clothes her household against physical cold, Christ provides a spiritual covering that shields us from the far more devastating chill of sin and judgment. He is the ultimate provider who ensures His household—the church—is perfectly clothed, not with earthly scarlet, but with His own righteousness. [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet") declares, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow," a promise fulfilled by Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through faith in Him, we are not merely covered, but are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")), receiving His perfect righteousness as our garment ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness of God Through Faith")). Furthermore, just as the woman's provision removes fear of the snow, Christ's perfect work removes the fear of death and judgment, allowing us to face the future with absolute confidence, knowing that our eternal security is guaranteed by the one who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). He is the one who truly ensures that His household is "not afraid" for any future hardship, for He is our ultimate protector and provider, making all things work together for good for those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")).

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

Genesis 45:22

To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred [pieces] of silver, and five changes of raiment.

2 Samuel 1:24

Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with [other] delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

Proverbs 25:20

¶ [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.