Proverbs 31:25
What does Proverbs 31:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 31:25 means
This verse beautifully summarizes the worthy woman's inner and outer character. "Strength and dignity are her clothing" is a metaphor indicating that these qualities are intrinsic to her being and are what define her, rather than mere external garments. She faces the future with confidence, as she "laugheth at the time to come." This isn't frivolousness, but a profound sense of security and trust in God, knowing she has prepared diligently and is not anxious about future challenges or uncertainties.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Strength and self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Strength and honour <FI>are<Fi> her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laugheth [at] the coming day.
Context
Following specific examples of her entrepreneurial work (verse 24), this verse shifts to a more thematic summary of the worthy woman's character. It describes her inner virtues of strength and dignity that govern her life and her confident outlook on the future. This prepares the reader for the next two verses which detail the wisdom and kindness of her speech and her diligent management of her household.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
- Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
- 1 Timothy 2:10
but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.
- Psalms 132:16
Her priests also will I clothe with salvation; And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
- Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem.
- Isaiah 65:13
Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame;
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