Proverbs 31:12

She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

Study Bible

She brings him good
The phrase "She brings him good" highlights the proactive and positive influence of a virtuous woman in the life of her husband. The Hebrew word for "good" here is "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings including welfare, prosperity, and moral goodness. In the context of ancient Israel, a wife who brings "good" to her husband is one who contributes to the well-being and prosperity of the household. This reflects the biblical ideal of a supportive and nurturing partnership, where the wife actively seeks the best for her husband, aligning with the broader scriptural theme of mutual respect and love within marriage.

and not harm
The phrase "and not harm" serves as a contrast to the previous statement, emphasizing the absence of negative actions or intentions. The Hebrew word for "harm" is "רָע" (ra), which can mean evil, distress, or adversity. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, a wife who refrains from bringing "harm" is one who avoids actions that could lead to discord or misfortune. This aligns with the biblical principle of living peaceably and fostering harmony within the family unit. The virtuous woman is portrayed as a source of stability and peace, ensuring that her actions do not lead to strife or division.

all the days of her life
The phrase "all the days of her life" underscores the consistency and lifelong commitment of the virtuous woman to her husband. This is not a temporary or conditional behavior but a steadfast dedication that spans her entire life. In the Hebrew context, this reflects the covenantal nature of marriage, which is intended to be a lifelong union. The phrase suggests that the virtuous woman’s commitment to bringing good and avoiding harm is unwavering, reflecting the enduring nature of true love and faithfulness as taught in the Scriptures. This lifelong dedication is a testament to her character and the strength of her relationship with her husband, serving as an inspirational model for Christian marriages.

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 the epitome of virtue, wisdom, and diligence in a wife.

2. Her Husband
The recipient of the good that the virtuous woman brings. He is a figure who benefits from her wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness.

3. King Lemuel
The author of Proverbs 31, who shares the wisdom taught to him by his mother, providing a framework for understanding the qualities of a virtuous woman.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, reflecting the societal values and family structures of the time.

5. The Household
The setting where the virtuous woman's actions and influence are most directly felt, serving as a microcosm of her broader impact on society.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Goodness
The virtuous woman is committed to bringing good to her husband consistently. This reflects a dedication to positive actions and intentions within marriage.

Lifelong Faithfulness
"All the days of her life" emphasizes the enduring nature of her commitment. This teaches the importance of lifelong faithfulness and consistency in relationships.

Impact of a Godly Character
Her actions are a result of her godly character, which is cultivated through a relationship with God. This highlights the importance of spiritual growth and character development.

Role of Influence
The virtuous woman influences her household and community positively. This underscores the power of influence and the responsibility to use it for good.

Partnership in Marriage
The relationship between the virtuous woman and her husband is a partnership where she actively contributes to his well-being, illustrating the collaborative nature of a godly marriage.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:12 challenge modern perceptions of marriage roles?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "bringing good" to our relationships today, whether in marriage or other partnerships?

3. How does the concept of lifelong faithfulness in Proverbs 31:12 relate to the teachings of Ephesians 5:22-33 on marriage?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a godly character that consistently brings good to others?

5. How can the example of the virtuous woman inspire us to use our influence positively in our communities and families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 12:4
This verse speaks of a virtuous wife as a crown to her husband, reinforcing the idea of bringing good and honor to him.

Ephesians 5:22-33
This passage discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual respect and love, which aligns with the virtuous woman's role in bringing good to her husband.

Ruth 3:11
Ruth is described as a virtuous woman, providing a account example of the qualities outlined in Proverbs 31.