Proverbs 31:28

KJV

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

KJV (with Strong's)

Her children {H1121} arise up {H6965}, and call her blessed {H833}; her husband {H1167} also, and he praiseth {H1984} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her children arise; they make her happy; her husband too, as he praises her:

Berean Standard Bible

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

American Standard Version

Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husbandalso, and he praiseth her, saying:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:28 encapsulates the profound honor and affirmation bestowed upon the virtuous woman by her closest family members. It serves as a powerful testament to the lasting legacy of a life characterized by wisdom, diligence, and godly character, revealing that the most authentic praise often comes from those who have most directly benefited from one's faithful service and loving devotion within the home. This verse highlights the natural and deserved recognition that flows from a life well-lived in accordance with divine principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:28 is situated within the concluding section of the book of Proverbs, specifically within the acrostic poem (verses 10-31) that describes the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: *’eshet chayil*). This poem, often attributed to King Lemuel's mother, presents an idealized portrait of a woman who embodies wisdom, strength, and industry. The preceding verses detail her multifaceted responsibilities and accomplishments, including her business acumen, diligent work ethic, care for her household, compassion for the poor, and foresight in preparing for the future. Verse 28 functions as a climactic affirmation, demonstrating the ultimate reward and recognition she receives from those she has faithfully served, leading directly into the concluding summary of her worth in [Proverbs 31:30-31](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30-31 - The Fear of the Lord and Her Reward").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the household was the foundational unit of society, and the woman's role within it was central to its well-being and prosperity. While often operating within a patriarchal structure, the Proverbs 31 woman's portrayal elevates her status, demonstrating significant agency and influence. Her work extended beyond domestic chores to include managing finances, engaging in commerce, and overseeing servants, all of which contributed directly to the family's economic stability and social standing. The public praise from her children and husband in this verse reflects a cultural value placed on honor and reputation, particularly within the community and family. The act of "arising" signifies a gesture of respect and deference, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures when acknowledging a person of authority or esteemed character.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. It underscores the theme of **the fruit of righteous living**, illustrating that diligent effort, wise decision-making, and a life lived in accordance with God's principles naturally yield positive outcomes and honor. Her actions, detailed in verses such as her early rising and provision for her household ([Proverbs 31:15](/proverbs/31-15 "Proverbs 31:15 - Her Diligence and Provision")), her watchful care ([Proverbs 31:27](/proverbs/31-27 "Proverbs 31:27 - Her Watchfulness")), and her compassionate outreach ([Proverbs 31:20](/proverbs/31-20 "Proverbs 31:20 - Her Compassion for the Poor")), culminate in the **public affirmation and honor** she receives. Furthermore, the husband's praise highlights the theme of **mutual respect and appreciation within marriage**, building upon the trust and confidence he places in her as described in [Proverbs 31:11](/proverbs/31-11 "Proverbs 31:11 - The Husband's Trust"). This reciprocal honor fosters a harmonious and flourishing family unit, demonstrating the blessings that flow from a well-ordered home.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arise up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this primitive root means "to rise" in various applications, including literal standing up, establishing, confirming, or enduring. In this context, the children "arise up" as a gesture of respect, indicating a formal and public acknowledgment of their mother's standing and worth. It is not merely a casual utterance but an active, physical demonstration of honor and reverence, signifying that they recognize her authority and the profound impact she has had on their lives.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _’âshar'_):** From H833, this root means "to be straight," "to be happy," or "to be prosperous." When the children "call her blessed," they are not simply offering a wish for her well-being but are declaring her to be happy, fortunate, and indeed, a source of blessing. They recognize that her life has been fruitful and that she has been instrumental in creating a prosperous and joyful environment for them, thus affirming her as a person upon whom God's favor rests and through whom blessings flow.
* **praiseth (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root means "to be clear," "to shine," and by extension, "to make a show," "to boast," "to celebrate," or "to commend." This is the same root from which "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord) is derived. The husband's "praise" for his wife is not a quiet compliment but a strong, public, and enthusiastic commendation. It signifies that he celebrates her, boasts about her, and publicly acknowledges her excellence and the profound value she brings to their shared life, reflecting deep admiration and honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her children arise up":** This clause depicts a scene of profound respect and honor. The children's act of "arising" is a physical gesture, signifying their reverence and acknowledgment of their mother's authority, wisdom, and the significant role she has played in their lives. It's a formal and public demonstration of their esteem, reflecting the deep impact of her character and nurturing.
* **"and call her blessed":** Following their physical act of respect, the children verbally affirm their mother. To "call her blessed" means they recognize her as happy, fortunate, and a source of well-being. They acknowledge the prosperity and joy she has brought into their lives through her diligence, wisdom, and love, attributing her positive influence to God's favor upon her and through her.
* **"her husband [also]":** This phrase introduces the husband's parallel affirmation, emphasizing that his commendation complements and reinforces that of the children. The "also" underscores the unity of praise within the family, highlighting that her worth is recognized by the two most significant groups of people in her immediate life—her offspring and her life partner.
* **"and he praiseth her.":** The husband's praise is a powerful and public declaration of his admiration. The term "praiseth" (H1984, *hâlal*) implies a strong, even celebratory, commendation. It signifies that he not only appreciates her privately but also publicly honors her accomplishments, character, and contribution to their family's success and well-being. This public affirmation from her husband validates her worth and reinforces her esteemed position within the household and community.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:28 primarily employs **Affirmation** and **Culmination**. The verse acts as a powerful **Affirmation** of the virtuous woman's character and deeds, validating the detailed description of her life found in the preceding verses. The praise from her children and husband serves as the ultimate seal of approval, demonstrating the tangible and relational rewards of her diligent and godly life. This affirmation is not merely internal but external and public, emphasizing the social recognition of her worth. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Culmination** of the entire poem, presenting the deserved outcome of her exemplary conduct. It shows that her hard work, wisdom, and selflessness are not unnoticed but lead to profound respect and honor from those closest to her, providing a powerful conclusion to the portrait of the ideal woman. The structure of the verse, moving from children to husband, also creates a sense of **Parallelism**, reinforcing the unified and comprehensive nature of the praise she receives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:28 stands as a profound theological statement on the intrinsic value of a life lived in wisdom and devotion, particularly within the sphere of family and home. It illustrates that true honor and lasting legacy are not external accolades but the genuine appreciation and affirmation from those most intimately impacted by one's character and service. This verse beautifully reflects the biblical principle that those who diligently serve and fear the Lord will be blessed, and their works will speak for themselves. It underscores the divine design for family as a primary context for discipleship and the cultivation of virtue, where the fruit of a godly life is visibly manifested in the well-being and respect of one's household. The praise she receives is a testament to the wisdom that flows from God, enabling her to manage her household with excellence and produce a flourishing environment.

* [Proverbs 31:31](/proverbs/31-31 "Proverbs 31:31 - Her Works Praise Her")
* [Psalm 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children as a Heritage")
* [Ephesians 5:33](/ephesians/5-33 "Ephesians 5:33 - Husbands to Love, Wives to Respect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:28 offers a compelling vision for all believers, transcending gender roles to speak to the universal principle that a life invested in wisdom, diligence, and selfless service yields profound and lasting rewards. It challenges us to consider what kind of legacy we are building, not in terms of worldly achievements, but in the hearts and minds of those closest to us. The verse encourages us to cultivate a character so exemplary and a love so profound that it naturally elicits genuine honor and appreciation from our families. It reminds us that the home is a primary arena for spiritual formation and impact, and that our faithfulness within its walls has eternal significance. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful call to intentional affirmation within our relationships, urging us to verbally express appreciation and honor to those who bless our lives, thereby strengthening familial bonds and fostering environments of love and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a character that inspires genuine respect and affirmation from my family and those around me?**
* **How well do I express verbal affirmation and honor to my family members, particularly my spouse and children? What practical steps can I take to improve this?**
* **Beyond external achievements, what kind of lasting legacy do I desire to build within my home and community, and how does Proverbs 31:28 inform this vision?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for children to "arise up" and call their mother blessed?**

Answer: For children to "arise up" is a physical gesture of respect and honor, indicating that they stand in deference to their mother, acknowledging her authority and the profound impact she has had on their lives. To "call her blessed" means they verbally declare her to be fortunate, happy, and a source of blessing to them. It's a recognition that her diligent work, wise guidance, and loving care have created a prosperous and joyful environment, and they attribute their own well-being, in part, to her. This dual act of physical and verbal affirmation signifies deep appreciation and reverence for her character and contributions.

**Why is the husband's praise specifically mentioned after the children's?**

Answer: The mention of the husband's praise after the children's reinforces the comprehensive nature of the virtuous woman's affirmation. While the children's respect speaks to her role as a nurturer and guide, the husband's praise highlights the mutual respect and partnership within the marriage. In ancient cultures, a husband's public commendation of his wife was a significant validation of her character and efforts, demonstrating his trust and value for her, as mentioned in [Proverbs 31:11](/proverbs/31-11 "Proverbs 31:11 - The Husband's Trust"). It underscores that her excellence is recognized and celebrated by the two most important groups in her immediate sphere of influence, solidifying her honor within the family and community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 31:28 celebrates the exemplary human virtues of the diligent woman, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance are found in Christ. The praise and honor she receives foreshadow the ultimate affirmation given to those who live faithfully in union with Christ. Just as her works speak for themselves, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial love are the foundation of our salvation, earning Him the highest praise from His Father and His redeemed people. He is the true "excellent one" whose life of perfect wisdom and self-giving love provides the ultimate standard. Believers, as the [Bride of Christ](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church"), are being sanctified and presented to Him "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Sanctification of the Church")). The praise she receives from her family echoes the eternal praise that will be offered to Christ by His Church and by the Father Himself, who declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). Furthermore, the fruit of the Spirit, cultivated in the lives of believers, leads to a life of service and love that, while imperfect, reflects the character of Christ and brings glory to God, ultimately resulting in the "well done, good and faithful servant" ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - The Parable of the Talents")) from the Master Himself.

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

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 1:5

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

1 Kings 2:19

Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Proverbs 31:1

¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.