Proverbs 31:31

KJV

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} her of the fruit {H6529} of her hands {H3027}; and let her own works {H4639} praise {H1984} her in the gates {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give her a share in what she produces; let her works speak her praises at the city gates.

Berean Standard Bible

Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.

American Standard Version

Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:31 serves as the triumphant capstone to the extensive description of the virtuous woman, advocating for the public recognition and just reward of her diligent labor and exemplary character. It asserts that her intrinsic worth and the tangible outcomes of her efforts are her most compelling testimony, earning her honor and renown within the community without the need for self-promotion. This verse champions the principle that a life lived with wisdom, industry, and integrity will naturally yield a harvest of respect and admiration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic summation of the entire "Ode to the Virtuous Woman" found in [Proverbs 31:10-31](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman"). Following a detailed portrait that showcases her multifaceted roles—from managing her household and engaging in commerce to caring for the poor and teaching wisdom—verse 31 acts as the ultimate commendation. It transitions from describing her internal virtues and private diligence to the public recognition these qualities naturally elicit. It reinforces the practical, outcome-oriented nature of wisdom found throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom Literature"), where righteous living is consistently linked to blessing and honor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "gates" (Hebrew: *sha'ar*) of a city were far more than mere entry points; they were the vibrant hub of public life. This was where legal disputes were settled by elders, business transactions were conducted, news was disseminated, and public assemblies gathered. For a woman to be praised "in the gates" was the highest form of public honor and social affirmation, signifying that her reputation extended beyond her household and was acknowledged by the community's leaders and citizens. This context underscores the profound societal impact of the virtuous woman, whose influence was not confined to the domestic sphere but resonated throughout the public domain, challenging modern misconceptions about women's roles in biblical times.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 31:31 encapsulates several profound themes central to the wisdom tradition. Firstly, it champions **Deserved Recognition**, emphasizing that diligent effort and virtuous living should be met with appropriate reward and acknowledgment. The phrase "fruit of her hands" highlights the tangible outcomes of her labor, advocating for a just recompense for her contributions, as seen in principles like those found in [Deuteronomy 24:15](/deuteronomy/24-15 "Deuteronomy 24:15 - Wages for Labor"). Secondly, it underscores that **Actions Speak Louder Than Words**, asserting that "her own works praise her." This theme resonates with the biblical emphasis on genuine faith demonstrated through deeds, not just declarations, as articulated in [James 2:18](/james/2-18 "James 2:18 - Faith Demonstrated by Works"). Thirdly, the imagery of being praised "in the gates" signifies **Public Honor and Esteem**, indicating that a life of integrity and wisdom naturally garners respect and a good reputation within the community, aligning with the value of a good name over riches in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be clear," "to shine," and hence "to make a show," "to boast," or "to celebrate." It is the root of "Hallelujah" (Praise Yahweh). In this context, it signifies a spontaneous, natural commendation or laudation that emanates from the woman's actions themselves, rather than being sought or demanded. Her works are so exemplary that they inherently "shine" and "boast" of her character, compelling public recognition.
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** Derived from the verb "to do" or "to make," *maʻăseh* refers to an action, a deed, or a product. It encompasses the entirety of her diligent efforts, her wise decisions, her compassionate acts, and the tangible results of her labor—whether in household management, business ventures, or ministry to the needy. It emphasizes the concrete, observable evidence of her character and wisdom.
* **Gates (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** This word denotes an opening, specifically a door or a city gate. As previously noted, the city gate was the central public forum for legal, commercial, and social activities. To be praised "in the gates" means to receive public, official, and communal recognition and honor, signifying that her reputation is not confined to her private sphere but is widely acknowledged and celebrated by the community's leaders and citizens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give her of the fruit of her hands":** This clause is an imperative or a strong exhortation, urging the community to acknowledge and reward the virtuous woman. "The fruit of her hands" is a powerful metaphor for the tangible outcomes, benefits, and products of her diligent labor, wise investments, and compassionate service. It implies that she should be allowed to enjoy the natural, deserved recompense and recognition that arise from her efforts, rather than her contributions being overlooked or undervalued.
* **"and let her own works praise her in the gates":** This second clause functions as a natural consequence of the first, or perhaps a parallel exhortation. It asserts that her actions and accomplishments are so self-evident and commendable that they serve as their own testimony. Her "works" become the active agent, speaking on her behalf, advocating for her honor. To be praised "in the gates" signifies that this recognition is public, official, and communal, affirming her standing and reputation within the broader society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "let her own works praise her," where inanimate "works" are given the human capacity to speak and commend. This emphasizes that her character is so clearly manifested through her actions that no verbal commendation is needed; her deeds themselves are her most eloquent testimony. **Metonymy** is present in "in the gates," where the physical location of the city gate stands in for the entire public sphere, including the legal, commercial, and social life of the community. This device powerfully conveys the idea of public, official, and widespread recognition. Furthermore, the phrase "fruit of her hands" is a vivid **Metaphor**, representing the tangible results and benefits of her labor and effort, drawing a parallel between the natural outcome of a tree's growth and the productive yield of her diligence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:31 profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on the value of diligent labor, the principle of sowing and reaping, and the nature of true honor. It underscores that God's economy often involves a just return for righteous effort, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a natural consequence of living in alignment with His wisdom. The verse affirms that genuine character, demonstrated through consistent, virtuous deeds, will ultimately be recognized and honored, not by human striving for praise, but by the inherent testimony of a life well-lived. This divine principle assures believers that their faithful service, even when unseen by many, is known to God and will ultimately bear fruit and commendation.

* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine"): "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Reaping a Harvest"): "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
* [James 2:18](/james/2-18 "James 2:18 - Faith Demonstrated by Works"): "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:31 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for all believers. It calls us to embody diligence, integrity, and selfless service, understanding that our true worth is not found in self-promotion or the pursuit of fleeting accolades, but in the consistent, quiet faithfulness of our daily lives. This verse reminds us that our actions are our most powerful sermon, and a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom will naturally bear fruit, both seen and unseen. Rather than seeking human applause, we are invited to focus on cultivating a character that reflects Christ, trusting that genuine impact and honor will follow as a natural consequence. It challenges us to celebrate and affirm the contributions of others, particularly those who labor faithfully without seeking the spotlight, recognizing that their "works praise them" even if we do not always voice it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I diligently working, and am I doing so with integrity, even when unseen by others?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the "fruit of the hands" of those around me, especially those whose contributions might be overlooked?**
* **Am I more concerned with my reputation or with truly living out my faith through my "works"?**
* **What does it mean for my "works to praise me in the gates" in my contemporary context (e.g., workplace, community, church)?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only applicable to women, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While Proverbs 31:10-31 specifically describes a "virtuous woman," the principles articulated in verse 31 are universal. The emphasis on diligent labor, wise stewardship, integrity, and the natural consequence of honor and respect for one's good deeds applies to all believers, regardless of gender. The passage uses the example of a woman to illustrate the embodiment of wisdom, making her a paradigm for anyone seeking to live a life that honors God and serves others effectively. The qualities described are those of a wise and productive individual in any sphere of life, whether male or female, single or married.

**What does "in the gates" mean for us in a modern context, given that cities no longer have physical gates as public forums?**

Answer: In a modern context, "in the gates" refers to the public square, the places where community opinion is formed, where reputations are established, and where influence is exerted. This could be in the workplace, within one's local community, in professional circles, or even in the broader digital public sphere. It signifies that the virtuous person's character and contributions will be recognized and esteemed by those who hold influence or represent the collective opinion of the community. It speaks to a reputation of excellence and integrity that is widely acknowledged and respected, not just privately but publicly.

**Does this verse encourage us to seek praise or recognition for our efforts?**

Answer: No, the verse does not encourage seeking praise, but rather assures that praise will naturally follow genuine, diligent, and virtuous work. The emphasis is on the "works" themselves being the source of commendation, not on self-promotion. It's a statement about the inherent testimony of a life lived well, rather than a directive to pursue external validation. Our focus should be on faithfulness and fruitfulness, allowing God to bring about the recognition He deems fit, as [Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Giving in Secret") warns against performing righteous acts for human applause.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the virtuous woman's works praise her, Christ's perfect life and redemptive work are the ultimate "fruit of His hands," bringing eternal praise and glory. He perfectly embodied diligence, wisdom, and selfless service, not for His own earthly renown, but for the glory of the Father and the salvation of humanity. His "works"—His miracles, His teachings, His perfect obedience, and ultimately His sacrificial death and resurrection—speak for themselves, testifying to His divine nature and saving power. It is through His finished work on the cross that we receive the "fruit" of His labor, namely forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. Just as the virtuous woman's works were publicly acknowledged, so too was Christ's ultimate sacrifice and triumph publicly declared through His resurrection and exaltation, as [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Exaltation of Christ") proclaims that God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name above every name. Our own "works" as believers, when done in Christ and through the power of the Spirit, become a reflection of His work in us, bringing glory to God and bearing fruit that will last, as [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine") teaches us to abide in Him to bear much fruit. Ultimately, it is Christ's work that truly praises Him "in the gates" of heaven and earth, securing our eternal honor and reward in Him.

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

Psalms 128:2

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Romans 16:1

¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:4

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Proverbs 11:30

¶ The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.