Proverbs 31:16 Commentary and Bible Study

The woman's role was complex. She had the task of running the entire household, and it might be quite a large one. There might be a number of servants – that was quite typical – and she also was a food producer because, generally speaking, the experts tell us that the distinction was along these lines: while he grew the corn crop and looked after the cattle, she would deal with all other kinds of produce – the herbs and the flavourings, the small crops and the business arrangements associated with this. She is shrewd in how she goes about this. She is seen here entering into transactions, buying and selling of fields which were needed to support her dimension of activity. Evidently, she had considerable freedom to make decisions of her own, and her husband trusted her judgment in major matter such as the purchase of land for the family estate. Many of the decisions she had to make were made without her husband knowing every detail, but he consented to the exercise of her responsibility. Again, she is industrious and not afraid to do the manual work necessary to develop this new piece of land, and to plant what would become a beautiful vineyard that adorned the homestead. There is hard work to be done, for both man and woman must work by the sweat of their brow, and so she casts off all lethargy and prepares for work. It is her pleasure to contribute to their joint success as a family – husband and wife together. What the New Testament teaches about the role of woman takes this sophisticated role into account, for we must not forget that the Apostle Paul teaches all that is the Old Testament. The virtuous wife was not a dog’s body, but an honoured member of society, always however respecting the headship of her husband.