Proverbs 31:20 - The Virtues of a Noble Woman

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Context

The Virtues of a Noble Woman
…19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.…

Cross References

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.Acts 9:36
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.2 Corinthians 9:9
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”Job 31:16-20
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ...Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,Psalm 112:9
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.Ezekiel 18:7
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

Romans 10:21
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

she reacheth

Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Job 31:16-20
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; …

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Proverbs 31

She opens her arms to the poor
This phrase highlights the virtue of generosity and compassion. In biblical times, poverty was a common issue, and the Law of Moses included provisions for the poor, such as gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10). The act of opening one's arms signifies a welcoming and inclusive attitude, reflecting God's own heart for the marginalized (Deuteronomy 15:11). This mirrors the actions of Jesus, who consistently reached out to the poor and downtrodden (Matthew 11:5). The imagery of open arms suggests not only giving but also embracing, indicating a personal and relational approach to charity.

and reaches out her hands to the needy.
The extension of hands symbolizes active engagement and effort in providing assistance. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, physical gestures were significant, and reaching out one's hands was a sign of offering help and support. This action is reminiscent of God's own provision and care, as seen in Psalm 145:16, where God opens His hand to satisfy the desires of every living thing. The phrase also connects to the New Testament teaching of faith being demonstrated through works (James 2:14-17). The woman's actions are a type of Christ, who reached out to humanity in its need, offering salvation and healing (Mark 1:41). This proactive stance against poverty and need is a call to believers to embody the love and compassion of Christ in tangible ways.

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, virtue, and godly character. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a woman of faith.

2. The Poor and Needy
These are individuals who are in need of assistance, whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually. The virtuous woman is characterized by her compassion and willingness to help those who are less fortunate.

3. King Lemuel
The author of Proverbs 31, who shares the teachings he received from his mother. This chapter is often seen as a mother's advice to her son on the qualities of a good wife.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where community and family were central, and caring for the poor was a significant aspect of religious life.

5. The Marketplace
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the marketplace is a place where the virtuous woman often operates, providing for her family and extending her resources to the needy.

Teaching Points

Compassionate Generosity
The virtuous woman exemplifies a heart of compassion and generosity. Her actions are a model for believers to follow, showing that true virtue involves caring for others.

Active Service
The phrase "opens her arms" and "reaches out her hands" suggests active involvement. Believers are encouraged to not only feel compassion but to take tangible steps to assist those in need.

Reflecting God's Love
By helping the poor and needy, we reflect God's love and mercy. This is a practical way to live out the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Community Responsibility
The call to care for the poor is not just an individual responsibility but a communal one. The church and community should work together to support those in need.

Spiritual and Material Support
While material support is crucial, offering spiritual encouragement and prayer is also vital. The virtuous woman provides a holistic approach to helping others.

(20) She streteheth out her hand to the poor.--Either in sympathy or with alms; "yea, she reacheth forth (both) her hands to the needy;" she is keenly alive to their sorrows, and pities them and aids them with all her power.

Verse 20. - CAPH. She is not impelled by selfish greed to improve her means and enlarge her revenues. She is sympathizing and charitable, and loves to extend to others the blessings which have rewarded her efforts. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. "Hand" is here caph, "the palm," evidently containing alms. She knows the maxim (Proverbs 19:17), "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord," etc.; and she has no fear of poverty. Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. "Hand," is here yod, with its nerves and sinews ready for exertion (see on Proverbs 10:4); and the idea is that she puts forth her hand to raise and soothe the poor man, not being satisfied with dealing alms to him, but exercising the gentle ministries of a tender love. Septuagint, "She opens her hands to the needy, and reaches forth her wrist (καρπὸν) to the poor." Like Dorcas, she is full of good works and alms deeds (Acts 9:36). It is doubtless implied that the prosperity which she experiences is the reward of this benevolence (Proverbs 22:9). Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

She opens
פָּרְשָׂ֣ה (pā·rə·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6566: To break apart, disperse

her arms
כַּ֭פָּהּ (kap·pāh)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

to the poor
לֶעָנִ֑י (le·‘ā·nî)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble

and reaches out
שִׁלְּחָ֥ה (šil·lə·ḥāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

her hands
וְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָ (wə·yā·ḏe·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

to the needy.
לָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃ (lā·’eḇ·yō·wn)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor

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