Proverbs 31:20 Commentary and Bible Study

The virtuous woman is a woman of compassion. She is easily moved to pity those who are suffering hardship and destitution. Her tender heart means that she cannot turn away from them and leave them to suffer without help. At the same time, she is discerning in the way she provides care and seeks out genuine cases of need. Her help is practical and aimed at the basic provisions which the poor lack: food and clothing and shelter. She cannot sleep easily when she knows there is a case of one who has asked for help and not yet had their heart encouraged by some real provision. She is especially moved by the children of the poor, and considers how she would want to care for them if they were her own children. The poor you have with you always, said Christ, and the poor will always need help. She is also at the centre of the compassionate ministry of the church, identifying those who are worthy of help and how best to provide for them. Of course, we all have a duty to stand on our own feet and bear our own burdens first, so it is part of the work of compassion to enable those who suffer to improve their own lot in a permanently way if that is possible, but there will always be some who remain dependent on assistance. She is loved by the poor and needy because they know the kindness dwells in her heart. She is merciful to them as her Lord is merciful, and she mediates the kindness of God to his creatures.