Proverbs 31:21 Commentary and Bible Study

The winters in Israel could bring snow but not always, and mostly limited to certain areas. If it did come, to fail to have adequate clothing would be a cause of serious discomfort and possibly of harm. The point here is that even if winter does bring snow to the family of the virtuous wife, she is ready for it. She is ready because she has clothed all her children splendidly. She is not necessarily thinking of the snow when she does this, because it is her intention to make sure that they are warmly dressed and looked after well, regardless of the circumstances. She clothes them with scarlet, which was a dye obtained from an insect feeding on a type of oak. This was a highly valued colour worn by people of rank, and the idea is that she has provided the very best for her family so that they are prepared, among other things, for the hardships of winter whatever it may bring. This is not done from a competitive spirit, as if to outdo neighbours, but is the action of a woman who wants the best for those dear to her – a natural and commendable attitude.