Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:27

What does Proverbs 31:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:27 means

This verse underscores the worthy woman's vigilant and meticulous oversight of her household. "She looketh well to the ways of her household" implies constant attention to detail, proactive management, and a careful watch over all activities, ensuring order and efficiency. The complementary statement, "and eateth not the bread of idleness," emphasizes that she herself is never lazy. She lives by example and her life is a continuous demonstration of diligence, eschewing any form of sloth or unproductive leisure for herself or those under her care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She gives attention to the ways of her family, she does not take her food without working for it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

She <FI>is<Fi> watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She hath looked well on the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She surveyeth the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Context

After detailing her wise and kind speech (verse 26), this verse returns to the practical aspects of the worthy woman's leadership within her home. It emphasizes her diligent supervision and personal example in avoiding idleness, which naturally leads to the appreciation and praise she receives from her family in the very next verses.

v.26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

v.27This passage

v.28Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husbandalso, and he praiseth her, saying:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11

    and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6

    Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

  • Titus 2:4

    that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

  • Proverbs 14:1

    Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.

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