Proverbs 31:26

KJV

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

KJV (with Strong's)

She openeth {H6605} her mouth {H6310} with wisdom {H2451}; and in her tongue {H3956} is the law {H8451} of kindness {H2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely; on her tongue is loving instruction.

Berean Standard Bible

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

American Standard Version

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:26 beautifully articulates a defining characteristic of the virtuous woman: her profound and intentional communication. Her speech is depicted as a deliberate outflow of deep wisdom, ensuring that her words are not only insightful and discerning but are also consistently governed by a foundational principle of kindness. This verse underscores the integral connection between a person's inner character—their wisdom and compassionate heart—and the tangible expression of that character through their words, making her a source of edification and benevolent influence.

### 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 Virtuous Woman"), which presents a comprehensive and idealized portrait of a capable and godly woman. Following a series of descriptions highlighting her diligence, foresight, strength, and care for her household and the poor, verse 26 focuses specifically on the quality of her verbal communication. It serves as a culmination, demonstrating that her inner virtues extend to and are expressed through her speech, making her a complete and exemplary figure. The poem, attributed to King Lemuel as taught by his mother, emphasizes character and conduct over superficial attributes, and the "wise and kind" speech of this woman is presented as a pinnacle of her moral and spiritual excellence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a woman's role, particularly within the household, was central to the family's well-being and reputation. While often confined to the domestic sphere, her influence was profound. Public speech, especially for women, was not as common, making the quality of her words within her sphere of influence—her family, servants, and close community—all the more significant. Wisdom (חָכְמָה, *chokmâh*) was highly valued in Israelite society, seen as a divine gift and a practical skill for navigating life. Kindness (חֶסֶד, *chêçêd*), or steadfast love, was a cornerstone of covenant relationships, both with God and within the community. For a woman to embody both in her speech meant she was a pillar of moral and social stability, contributing positively to the household's reputation and the community's welfare, contrasting sharply with the destructive power of gossip or foolish talk often warned against in [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 31:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy of practical wisdom** (חָכְמָה, *chokmâh*), demonstrating that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but is applied in daily life, particularly through the careful and discerning use of words. This aligns with the book's foundational premise that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **transformative power of speech**, portraying words as instruments of edification and grace rather than destruction. This echoes the many warnings throughout Proverbs about the consequences of foolish or malicious speech, such as "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" ([Proverbs 15:4](/proverbs/15-4 "Proverbs 15:4 - The Power of the Tongue")). Thirdly, it underscores the **integrity of character**, illustrating that one's speech is a direct reflection of their inner being. The "law of kindness" (חֶסֶד, *chêçêd*) in her tongue reveals a heart filled with loyal, steadfast love, demonstrating that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ([Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - The Heart's Abundance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this term refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively in daily life. It is not merely intellectual understanding but lived wisdom, the capacity to make sound judgments and act prudently, particularly in communication. When the virtuous woman "openeth her mouth with wisdom," it signifies that her speech is not impulsive or foolish, but deliberate, discerning, and beneficial, rooted in sound judgment and understanding of God's ways.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, this word denotes a precept, statute, or instruction, often referring to the divine law given by God. In this context, "the law of kindness" implies that kindness is not merely an occasional act or a fleeting emotion but a foundational, governing principle that dictates and shapes every word she utters. It is the inherent rule or instruction that her tongue adheres to, much like a divine commandment.
* **Kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this is a rich theological term often translated as lovingkindness, steadfast love, mercy, or loyal love. It denotes an active, enduring, and benevolent love that is faithful to a covenant or relationship. When *chêçêd* is the "law" of her tongue, it means her speech consistently builds up, encourages, shows compassion, and reflects a heart filled with benevolent and loyal intent, making her words a source of grace and steadfast support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She openeth her mouth with wisdom":** This clause emphasizes the intentionality and quality of her speech. The verb "openeth" (H6605, *pâthach*) suggests a deliberate act, not an accidental utterance. Her words are not thoughtless or impulsive but are carefully considered and weighed. The phrase "with wisdom" (H2451, *chokmâh*) indicates that her communication is guided by sound judgment, discernment, and practical insight. She speaks only when appropriate, offering counsel, instruction, or comfort that is rooted in understanding and beneficial to those who hear.
* **"and in her tongue is the law of kindness":** This second clause describes the governing principle of her speech. Her "tongue" (H3956, *lâshôwn*), representing her words and communication, is not merely kind on occasion, but "kindness" (H2617, *chêçêd*) is its inherent "law" (H8451, *tôwrâh*). This powerful metaphor suggests that *chêçêd*—steadfast love and loyal benevolence—is the foundational rule that governs every word she utters. Her speech is consistently gracious, compassionate, and aims to build up, reflecting a heart overflowing with active goodwill and loyal love towards others.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:26 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "the law of kindness." Here, "kindness" is not just an attribute but is elevated to the status of a "law" or guiding principle, implying that it is the consistent and foundational rule governing her speech, much like a legal statute. This metaphor vividly illustrates the unwavering nature of her benevolent communication. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification** as "kindness" is given the agency to "be" a law within her tongue, almost as if it is an active force dictating her words. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom" describes the discerning nature of her speech, while "and in her tongue is the law of kindness" further specifies the moral quality and consistent character of her words, building a comprehensive picture of her exemplary communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth embedded in Proverbs 31:26 extends far beyond the description of a single virtuous woman, touching upon universal biblical principles regarding the power and responsibility of human speech. The Bible consistently teaches that words are not neutral; they carry immense power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, to convey truth or deceit. This verse elevates speech to a spiritual discipline, suggesting that truly godly communication flows from an inner reservoir of wisdom and a heart saturated with divine *chesed*—God's steadfast, loyal love. It reminds us that our words are a direct reflection of our spiritual condition and our relationship with God, who Himself speaks with ultimate wisdom and perfect kindness. Therefore, cultivating wise and kind speech is not merely a matter of good manners but is a fundamental aspect of discipleship and bearing witness to the character of God in the world.

* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")
* [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Gracious Speech")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:26 offers a timeless and challenging mirror for all believers, regardless of gender, prompting us to deeply consider the quality and impact of our own words. In a world often characterized by hasty, harsh, or thoughtless communication, this verse calls us to a higher standard: to speak with intentional wisdom and unwavering kindness. It encourages us to pause before we speak, asking ourselves if our words are truly discerning, constructive, and rooted in love. Cultivating a tongue ruled by wisdom means seeking God's guidance, meditating on His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts and expressions. Similarly, allowing kindness to be the "law" of our tongue requires a heart transformed by God's *chesed*, enabling us to extend grace, offer encouragement, and speak truth in love, even in difficult conversations. Embracing this principle can profoundly transform our relationships, foster understanding, and make our lives a powerful testimony to the grace and truth of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my speech reflect my inner character and beliefs, particularly my wisdom and compassion?**
* **In what specific situations or relationships am I most challenged to speak with intentional wisdom and kindness?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure kindness becomes a more consistent "law" governing my tongue?**

### FAQ
**What does "the law of kindness" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The law of kindness" is a powerful metaphor indicating that kindness (Hebrew: *chêçêd*, meaning steadfast love, loyal love, or mercy) is not merely an occasional act or a fleeting emotion, but a fundamental, governing principle that consistently dictates the virtuous woman's speech. Just as a legal "law" (Hebrew: *tôwrâh*, instruction or precept) provides a framework for behavior, *chêçêd* serves as the inherent, unwavering rule for her words. This means her communication is perpetually infused with benevolence, compassion, and a desire to build up rather than tear down. It reflects a deep-seated character where loyal love is the default setting for her verbal interactions, ensuring her words are always gracious and beneficial, aligning with the call to speak "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")).

**Is this verse only for women, or does it apply to everyone?**

Answer: While Proverbs 31:26 is part of an acrostic poem specifically describing an "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" ([Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - The Virtuous Woman")), the principles of wise and kind speech it espouses are universal biblical virtues applicable to all believers, regardless of gender. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of controlling the tongue and speaking wisely, warning against foolish or destructive words for everyone. For example, [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer") states, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger," a truth that applies to all people. The New Testament similarly exhorts all Christians to speak with grace, wisdom, and kindness, as seen in passages like [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Gracious Speech"), which advises, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt." Therefore, while the immediate context focuses on a woman, the underlying message about the power and character of speech is a timeless call to all who seek to honor God with their words.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:26, with its depiction of speech flowing from wisdom and governed by kindness, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). When Jesus "openeth his mouth," it was always "with wisdom," speaking words of life, truth, and unparalleled insight that astonished His hearers, for He taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Furthermore, His "tongue was the law of kindness" in its purest form. Every word He spoke, whether in teaching, healing, rebuking, or comforting, was saturated with God's *chesed*—His steadfast, loyal love and mercy. From His compassionate words to the marginalized and sinful ([Luke 7:48](/luke/7-48 "Luke 7:48 - Forgiveness for the Sinner")) to His gracious words of forgiveness from the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")), Jesus perfectly demonstrated a life where wisdom and kindness were the unwavering principles of His communication. As believers, we are called to be imitators of Christ ([Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitators of God")), allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts so that our mouths, too, may open with wisdom and our tongues be governed by the law of kindness, reflecting the very character of our Savior.

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

Proverbs 16:24

¶ Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Proverbs 10:31

¶ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

Colossians 4:5

¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

1 Peter 3:4

But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Peter 3:5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: