Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:26

What does Proverbs 31:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:26 means

This verse speaks to the profound wisdom that characterizes the worthy woman's communication. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom" indicates that her words are thoughtful, discerning, and guided by sound judgment. Beyond mere intelligence, "the law of kindness is on her tongue" means her speech is consistently gracious, encouraging, and constructive, reflecting a compassionate heart. Her words are not only wise but also gentle and beneficial, building up rather than tearing down, serving as a source of guidance and comfort.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Her mouth is open to give out wisdom, and the law of mercy is on her tongue.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness <FI>is<Fi> on her tongue.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness.

Context

Following the description of her inner strength and confident outlook (verse 25), this verse turns to the worthy woman's verbal expressiveness. It highlights the wisdom and kindness inherent in her speech, illustrating another facet of her profound character. This precedes the description of her diligent oversight of her household and her avoidance of idleness in the subsequent verse.

v.25Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.

v.26This passage

v.27She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Esther 8:3

    And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

  • Acts 18:26

    and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more accurately.

  • Proverbs 12:18

    There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.

  • Proverbs 16:24

    Pleasant words areas a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  • Esther 4:4

    And Esther’s maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly grieved: and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take his sackcloth from off him; but he received it not.

  • 1 Peter 3:4

    but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

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