Proverbs 31:24

KJV

She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

KJV (with Strong's)

She maketh {H6213} fine linen {H5466}, and selleth {H4376} it; and delivereth {H5414} girdles {H2289} unto the merchant {H3669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchants with sashes.

Berean Standard Bible

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

American Standard Version

She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:24 offers a profound glimpse into the economic prowess and industrious spirit of the virtuous woman, presenting her not merely as a domestic manager but as a shrewd entrepreneur. This verse details her active engagement in the production and trade of high-quality textiles—fine linen and girdles—which she sells to merchants, thereby generating significant income and contributing substantially to her household's prosperity and standing within the community. It underscores her foresight, skill, and diligent labor as integral components of her comprehensive character as a "woman of valor."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:24 is an integral part of the acrostic poem (Proverbs 31:10-31), where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This extended passage, traditionally attributed to King Lemuel's mother, meticulously describes the "woman of valor" (*eshet chayil*), an ideal figure embodying wisdom, diligence, and integrity. The preceding verses establish her diligent oversight of the household, her early rising, and her provision for her family (e.g., [Proverbs 31:15](/proverbs/31-15 "Proverbs 31:15 - She provides for her household")). Verse 24 specifically expands her sphere of influence beyond the domestic realm, showcasing her entrepreneurial ventures and external economic contributions, complementing her internal management and demonstrating a holistic picture of her competence and value.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, women played diverse roles, often extending beyond the home, particularly in agricultural societies. While domestic duties were primary, many women engaged in crafts, trade, and even land management, contributing directly to family sustenance and wealth. The production of textiles, from spinning and weaving to garment making, was a common and highly valued skill, often performed by women. "Fine linen" (Hebrew: *çâdîyn*) was a luxurious and expensive fabric, often associated with royalty, priests, and the wealthy, indicating a high-end product. "Girdles" (*châgôwr*) were not just functional belts but could be elaborately decorated and served as items of fashion or status. The mention of "merchant" (Hebrew: *Kᵉnaʻanîy*) is significant; while literally meaning "Canaanite," it became a generic term for a trader or merchant due to the Canaanites' historical reputation for extensive commerce, suggesting her engagement in formal, perhaps even long-distance, trade networks rather than just local bartering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights **industriousness and productivity**, emphasizing that the virtuous woman is not idle but actively engaged in valuable labor, aligning with the broader Proverbs theme that diligence leads to prosperity, as seen in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - The hand of the diligent makes rich") and [Proverbs 12:24](/proverbs/12-24 "Proverbs 12:24 - The hand of the diligent will rule"). Secondly, it showcases **business acumen and entrepreneurship**, demonstrating her understanding of production, market demand, and trade. She is a producer and a seller, managing resources and generating income, reflecting the wisdom in financial foresight and investment also seen in [Proverbs 31:16](/proverbs/31-16 "Proverbs 31:16 - She considers a field and buys it"). Thirdly, the focus on "fine linen" and "girdles" underscores the theme of **quality and value**, indicating that her work is not merely busywork but produces goods of high worth, contributing significantly to the family's economic well-being and social standing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **maketh (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word signifies active creation, accomplishment, and purposeful work. It implies skill, effort, and the transformation of raw materials into finished products, highlighting the woman's proactive and productive nature.
* **fine linen (Hebrew, _çâdîyn'_):** From H5466, meaning "a wrapper, i.e. shirt; fine linen, sheet." This term refers to a high-quality, often luxurious textile, typically made from flax. Its inclusion indicates that the woman's work is not merely functional but produces items of significant value, often associated with wealth and status in ancient societies.
* **merchant (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_):** From H3669, a patrial meaning "a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar." Due to the Canaanites' historical reputation for trade, this word became synonymous with "trader" or "merchant." Its use here emphasizes that the woman is engaged in formal commercial transactions, dealing with professional traders, which suggests a well-established and profitable business venture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She maketh fine linen":** This clause highlights the woman's skill and industry in producing high-quality textiles. It implies a process of cultivation (of flax), processing, spinning, and weaving, all requiring significant labor, expertise, and attention to detail. The focus on "fine linen" suggests a product of superior quality, indicating her commitment to excellence and her ability to create valuable goods.
* **"and selleth [it]":** This phrase moves beyond production to economic activity. It demonstrates her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. She doesn't just make for her household's use but engages in commerce, understanding market demand and the value of her products. This act of selling signifies her active participation in the marketplace and her role as an income generator for her family.
* **"and delivereth girdles unto the merchant":** This further specifies her commercial ventures. "Girdles" were essential clothing items, often decorative and valuable. "Delivereth" (from H5414, *nâthan*, meaning "to give, put, make") implies a regular supply and a professional relationship with merchants. This suggests a consistent production capacity and a reliable distribution channel, solidifying her image as a significant economic contributor and a savvy businesswoman.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:24 employs several literary devices to paint a vivid picture of the virtuous woman's economic activity. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in the word "merchant" (*Kᵉnaʻanîy*), where the name of a people (Canaanites) stands for their characteristic activity (trade), underscoring the professional and established nature of her commercial dealings. **Synecdoche** is present as "fine linen" and "girdles" represent the broader scope of her industriousness and the range of valuable goods she produces, indicating her versatile skills beyond just these specific items. The verse also utilizes strong **Imagery**, conjuring a mental picture of a diligent woman, not confined to the home, but actively engaged in the bustling marketplace, producing and selling high-quality goods, thereby contributing to the family's wealth and reputation. This imagery reinforces her status as a capable and economically empowered individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:24 portrays a woman who embodies the biblical principles of diligence, stewardship, and productive labor, reflecting God's design for humanity to work and create. Her engagement in commerce is not merely for personal gain but contributes to the well-being and flourishing of her entire household, aligning with the broader biblical emphasis on wise management of resources and using one's gifts for the benefit of others. This verse elevates the dignity of honest work, whether in the domestic sphere or the marketplace, as a means of honoring God and serving one's family and community. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of biblical wisdom, which encompasses practical skills, financial prudence, and ethical conduct in all spheres of life.

* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the ant, you sluggard")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:11-12](/1-thessalonians/4-11 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Work with your hands")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:24 serves as a powerful reminder that diligence, skill, and economic contribution are honorable aspects of a life lived wisely. It challenges believers to consider how they can use their talents, whether in traditional professions, entrepreneurial ventures, or within the home, to create value and provide for their families and communities. This verse encourages us to cultivate a strong work ethic, to pursue excellence in our endeavors, and to manage our resources with foresight and integrity. It affirms that productive labor, driven by love and wisdom, is a vital expression of faithfulness and contributes not only to material well-being but also to personal dignity and communal flourishing. It calls us to be proactive, to identify needs, and to apply our abilities to meet them, thereby reflecting God's own creative and providing nature in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more diligent and proactive approach to my work, whether inside or outside the home?**
* **How can I identify and develop my unique skills or entrepreneurial inclinations to create value and contribute to my family or community?**
* **What does "quality" mean in the context of my current responsibilities, and how can I strive for excellence in all that I "make" or "deliver"?**
* **How does my work, paid or unpaid, reflect biblical principles of stewardship and provision for others?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse suggest that all women must engage in external business ventures?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While Proverbs 31:24 highlights the virtuous woman's entrepreneurial spirit and economic contributions outside the home, it describes one facet of her multifaceted character. The passage as a whole (Proverbs 31:10-31) celebrates a woman who is diligent, wise, and productive in *all* areas of her life, whether managing her household, caring for the poor, or engaging in commerce. The key takeaway is her industriousness, resourcefulness, and ability to create value, which can manifest in various ways depending on individual gifts, circumstances, and cultural contexts. The verse affirms that such external economic activity, when pursued with wisdom and integrity, is commendable and contributes to family well-being, but it does not prescribe it as a universal mandate for all women.

**What were "fine linen" and "girdles" in ancient times, and why were they significant?**

Answer: "Fine linen" (Hebrew: *çâdîyn*) referred to high-quality fabric, likely made from flax, known for its softness, durability, and often its white color. It was a luxurious and expensive material, frequently associated with royalty, priests, and the wealthy (e.g., [Genesis 41:42](/genesis/41-42 "Genesis 41:42 - Joseph's fine linen garment")). Its production required significant skill and labor. "Girdles" (Hebrew: *châgôwr*) were belts or sashes, essential for holding garments in place. They could range from simple utilitarian items to elaborately decorated accessories, often signifying status or wealth. Both items were valuable commodities in ancient economies. The virtuous woman's ability to produce and sell these items indicates her superior craftsmanship, her access to resources, and her understanding of a high-value market, showcasing her significant contribution to the family's financial stability and social standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "woman of valor" in Proverbs 31, with her industriousness, wisdom, and provision, serves as a beautiful earthly reflection of the ultimate "man of valor," Jesus Christ. While the Proverbs 31 woman diligently "maketh fine linen" and "delivereth girdles" to provide for her household, Christ, as the embodiment of divine wisdom (cf. [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's self-commendation")), perfectly fulfills the role of the ultimate provider and sustainer. He is the one who, through His perfect life and sacrificial death, provides the "fine linen" of righteousness to His bride, the Church, so that she may be presented "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing" (cf. [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The fine linen of the bride") and [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ sanctifies the Church")). Just as the virtuous woman's work brings prosperity and honor to her family, Christ's diligent work in fulfilling the Father's will (cf. [John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' work on the Sabbath")) brings eternal life and abundant blessings to all who believe. He is the true "merchant" who gave His all to purchase His treasured possession, His people (cf. [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Pearl of Great Price")), and He girds His followers with truth and righteousness (cf. [Ephesians 6:14](/ephesians/6-14 "Ephesians 6:14 - Gird your loins with truth")), equipping them for every good work. Her earthly provision points to His heavenly, all-sufficient provision for our deepest needs.

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

Ezekiel 27:16

Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Judges 14:12

And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find [it] out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Proverbs 31:19

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

1 Kings 10:28

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

Proverbs 31:13

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