Proverbs 31:26-29

 Prov. 31:26
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

This is the only verse in this passage which speaks of the godly woman's tongue and the words of her mouth.  Our Lord taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34).  What comes out of the mouth is an indication of what is in the heart.  Our speech reveals our heart.  Out of a wise heart come wise words.  Out of a kind heart come kind words.  Out of a loving heart come loving words. 

Be careful when you speak because your heart is showing.

The Proverbs 31 Woman could use her position to promote herself, but she doesn’t.  She uses it to promote something else. 

Wisdom = skillful (in war), shrewdness, wisely, wit, prudence, wisdom (in administration, religion, or ethics).

The book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject of wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Prov. 9:10

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom ….. Prov. 10:32a

When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom.  Prov. 11:2

On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found….. Prov. 10:13a

We see that what a woman says, reveals much about her character.  The Excellent Woman fears the Lord, is righteous, discerning, and humble. 

Teaching = a precept, law, instruction, custom, or statute

Not only is the Proverbs 31 Woman wise, but she imparts that wisdom to others.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge …. Prov. 15:7a

The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom
And before honor comes humility.  Prov. 15:33

Older women likewise are to be …. teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women … that the word of God may not be dishonored. Titus 2:3-5

Kindness = goodness, kindness, faithfulness, mercy

We studied the word “kind” when we looked at Titus 2:5.  There, we learned how influential kindness can be. 

Tongue = tongue.  Used both literally, as the instrument of speech; and figuratively for speech, language, speaker

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Prov. 12:18

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph. 4:29

Who controls the tongue?  We do.  And we have a choice not only in what we say, but in how we say it.  The Proverbs 31 Woman exercises self control with what she says.

The Excellent Woman does not engage in gossip, complaining, or self promotion. Rather, she honors the Lord with the words of her mouth.

Prov. 31:27-29
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.” 

We see two things here: what the Excellent Woman does, and what her family has to say about it.

What does she do?

Looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness. Prov. 31:27

This definition points to something we learned from studying Titus 2:5; that a woman’s domestic work is not being a mere housekeeper, but rather being a manager and guardian of one’s household.

Idleness = indolence, idleness, sluggishness, laziness 

We already know this to be true.  We can look back over the verses we have been studying, and make a list of the action words which describe her.  She:
Does – verse 12
Looks – verse13
Works – verse13
Brings – verse14
Rises – verse 15
Gives – verse 15
Considers – verse16
Buys – verse 16
Plants – verse 16
Girds – verse 17
Makes – verses 17, 24
Senses – verse 18
Stretches – verses 19, 20
Grasps – verse 19
Extends – verse 20
Makes – verse 22
Sells – verse 22
Supplies – verse 22
Smiles – verse 25
Opens – verse 26
Teaches – verse 26
Looks – verse 27

What does her family have to say about it?

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.” Prov. 31:28-29

The Proverbs 31 Woman’s deeds and words have an impact on her family.  She has been diligent in her ministry to them, and the results are blessings and praise.

To apply these verses, we have to ask the question, “what does my family say about me?” Do they praise me behind my back or complain about me?  Do they see me as diligent, hard-working, and responsive to their needs?  Or do I leave a lot undone, always making excuses for it?

As one whose children are now older, I can heartily attest that the effort toward family and home is well worth it.  The tendency is to grow weary with the responsibilities, so we need to keep in mind that it is only for a season.  The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual investment we make in our families today, will reap an eternal fruit.