Proverbs 31:24
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.
She makes linen garments and sells them;

The woman of Proverbs 31 uses her skill to provide valuable clothing for sale. Linen was costly and respected in the ancient world, requiring careful labor from flax to finished cloth. Her work shows that she manages household resources wisely and contributes materially to her family’s well-being.

Exo 35:25 Every skilled woman spun with her hands…
Isa 19:9 The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers…
Ezk 27:16 Aram was your customer because of your many products;…

she delivers sashes to the merchants.

She also supplies merchants with finished goods for trade beyond her immediate household. Sashes were useful garments worn for practical and decorative purposes. Her regular dealings with merchants reveal dependable work, sound judgment, and an established place in the local economy.

Exo 39:29 and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue…
Exo 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen,…
Ezk 27:24 In your marketplace they traded with you…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Virtuous Woman
The subject of Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing wisdom, diligence, and godly character. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a woman of virtue.

2. Merchants
These are the traders or business people to whom the virtuous woman delivers her goods. In ancient times, merchants played a crucial role in the economy, facilitating trade and commerce.

3. Linen Garments
Linen was a valuable textile in biblical times, known for its quality and durability. The production and sale of linen garments indicate industriousness and skill.

4. Sashes
These are decorative or functional bands of cloth, often used as belts or adornments. The making and selling of sashes demonstrate the woman's creativity and business acumen.

5. The Marketplace
While not explicitly mentioned, the marketplace is implied as the place where the virtuous woman engages in commerce, highlighting her active role in the community's economic life.
Teaching Points
Diligence and Industry
The virtuous woman exemplifies diligence and industriousness. Believers are encouraged to work hard and use their skills and talents for the benefit of their families and communities.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Engaging in business and trade is not only permissible but commendable when done with integrity and purpose. Christians can pursue entrepreneurial endeavors as a means of stewardship and service.

Contribution to Community
The virtuous woman's activities benefit not only her household but also the wider community. Christians are called to contribute positively to society through their work and interactions.

Wisdom in Resource Management
The making and selling of goods require wisdom in resource management. Believers should seek God's guidance in managing their resources effectively and ethically.

Role of Women in Scripture
This passage highlights the significant role women can play in economic and social spheres, affirming their value and capabilities in various aspects of life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the industrious nature of the Proverbs 31 woman challenge or inspire you in your current work or responsibilities?

2. In what ways can you apply the principles of diligence and integrity in your professional or personal life?

3. How does the example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:24 relate to the New Testament example of Lydia in Acts 16:14?

4. What are some practical ways you can contribute to your community, drawing inspiration from the Proverbs 31 woman?

5. How can understanding the role of women in Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 31, influence your perspective on gender roles in the church and society today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 31:13-22
These verses describe the industrious nature of the virtuous woman, emphasizing her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, which are further illustrated in verse 24.

Acts 16:14
Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, is an example of a businesswoman in the New Testament, paralleling the industrious nature of the Proverbs 31 woman.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
These verses discuss modesty and good works, aligning with the virtuous woman's character, who is known for her industriousness and contribution to her household and community.
The Words of LernuelE. Johnson Proverbs 31:1-31
A Good WifeMemoir of J. Stuart Blackie.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Helpful WifeProverbs 31:10-27
A Noble Woman's Picture of True WomanhoodHomilistProverbs 31:10-27
A Soothing VoiceC. Lamb.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Virtuous WomanProverbs 31:10-27
An Industrious WifeJ. B. F. Tinling.Proverbs 31:10-27
Beautiful HandsChristian TreasuryProverbs 31:10-27
Far Above RubiesW. J. Woods, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
Homely AttainmentsProverbs 31:10-27
NeedleworkProverbs 31:10-27
Religion for Every Day -- Our WivesGeorge Bainton.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanW. E. Griffis.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanD. J. Burrell.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Model WomanRobert Tuck, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Nobility of WomanhoodA. Rowland, LL.B.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Prophecy of Lemuel's MotherA Woman's Sermon to Women.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Virtuous Woman as a WifeR. F. Horton, D.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Worth and Work of WomanRichard Glarer.Proverbs 31:10-27
Woman's WorkStopford A. Brooke, LL.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
Christian WomanhoodW. Clarkson Proverbs 31:10-31
The Virtuous HousewifeE. Johnson Proverbs 31:10-31
People
Lemuel, Massa
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bands, Belts, Body, Cloth, Delivereth, Delivers, Fine, Garments, Gets, Girdle, Girdles, Linen, Makes, Maketh, Merchant, Merchants, Price, Robes, Sashes, Selleth, Sells, Supplies, Traders, Tradesmen
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 31:24

     5392   linen
     5407   merchants
     5587   trade
     5847   enthusiasm

Proverbs 31:10-31

     5481   proverb
     5744   wife

Proverbs 31:24-25

     5145   clothing

Library
The Gospel Cordial
A Sermon (No. 3236) published on Thursday, February 9th, 1911 delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. on Lord's Day Evening, September 20th, 1863. "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."--Proverbs 31:6, 7. These somewhat singular sentences were spoken by the mother of Lemuel to her son, who was probably Solomon. She had already said to him,
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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