Proverbs 31:11 kjv
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Proverbs 31:11 nkjv
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
Proverbs 31:11 niv
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Proverbs 31:11 esv
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Proverbs 31:11 nlt
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
Proverbs 31 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 12:4 | A excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame... | An excellent wife honors her husband. |
| Prov 18:22 | He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. | A good wife is a divine blessing. |
| Prov 19:14 | House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. | Prudent wife is a gift from God. |
| Prov 31:10 | An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. | The value of the excellent wife. |
| Prov 31:23 | Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders... | Her worth elevates her husband's public standing. |
| Prov 31:28-29 | Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also... Many daughters have done excellently, but you surpass them all. | Family praise for her excellence. |
| Psa 9:10 | And those who know your name put their trust in you... | Trust is placed in what is known and reliable. |
| Psa 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. | Highlights where trust should be placed (principle of reliance). |
| Psa 118:8-9 | It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man... It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. | Trust in human agents must be justified by character. |
| Psa 112:7 | He will not fear bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. | Security and firmness of heart come from trust. |
| Isa 26:3-4 | You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you... Trust in the LORD forever... | Perfect peace comes from settled trust. |
| Jer 17:7 | Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD... | The blessing on those who place their trust well. |
| Psa 23:1 | The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. | God provides and ensures no lack for His people. |
| Deut 28:12 | The LORD will open for you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain... to bless all the work of your hands. | Blessings of provision for obedience. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | God supplies all needs, often through diligent stewardship. |
| Gen 2:18 | Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." | The wife's role as a suitable helper. |
| Eph 5:28 | In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. | Emphasizes husband's love and care for his wife. |
| Col 3:19 | Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. | Husbands' responsibility in the marital relationship. |
| 1 Pet 3:7 | Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor... since you are joint heirs of the grace of life... | Mutual honor and joint heirship in marriage. |
| Prov 3:13-18 | Blessed is the one who finds wisdom... She is more precious than jewels... long life... riches and honor. | The benefits derived from wisdom, which she embodies. |
| Matt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much...’ | Faithfulness in stewardship brings reward, reflective of her diligence. |
| Tit 2:3-5 | Older women... are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands... to be self-controlled, pure, working at home... | Role of women in managing the household well. |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Principles of mutual honor within relationships. |
| 1 Cor 11:7 | For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. | Woman reflects glory upon her husband. |
Proverbs 31 verses
Proverbs 31 11 Meaning
Proverbs 31:11 describes the profound trust a husband places in his virtuous wife. His heart, encompassing his entire inner being, mind, and will, is securely confident in her character, competence, and management of the household. This deep trust means he experiences no deficit or need for ill-gotten gains, as her diligent and prudent contributions ensure the family's welfare and prosperity. Her reliable nature liberates him from domestic anxieties, allowing him to focus on his responsibilities and public life with peace of mind.
Proverbs 31 11 Context
Proverbs 31:11 is part of an acrostic poem (Proverbs 31:10-31) dedicated to describing the "woman of valor" or "virtuous wife." This passage is framed as the instruction from King Lemuel's mother, guiding him in the qualities of an ideal queen or a godly wife. Within the book of Proverbs, which imparts wisdom for navigating life through God's instruction, this section presents the ultimate embodiment of practical wisdom and diligent living within the family unit. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, the household was the foundational economic and social entity. Women, especially the matriarch, played an integral and active role in its management, productivity, and overall well-being, often engaging in various commercial activities outside the domestic sphere to contribute to the family's prosperity. The description of this woman serves as a benchmark for excellence, challenging prevailing notions of indolence or superficiality, and highlights her invaluable contribution to the husband's standing and the family's security.
Proverbs 31 11 Word analysis
- The heart (לֵב - lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" denotes the core of a person – the mind, intellect, will, affections, and the center of moral and rational decision-making. Here, it signifies the husband's deepest convictions, complete confidence, and peace of mind.
- of her husband (בַּעְלָהּ - ba'lah): Ba'al means owner, master, or husband. The possessive suffix 'ah' translates to "her." This term highlights the covenantal relationship of marriage where the husband is the head of the household, yet his security is rooted in her character.
- doth safely trust in her (בָּטַח בָּהּ - bataḥ bah): Bataḥ signifies to trust, rely upon, feel secure, or be confident. The preposition "bah" (in her) points to a direct and profound reliance. This is not naive trust but a deep confidence earned through her consistent, observable character, wisdom, and faithful conduct.
- so that he shall have no need (לֹא יֶחְסַר - lo' yechsar): Lo' means "no" or "not," and yechsar means "he will lack" or "be in want." This phrase indicates an absolute absence of deficit. It assures that the husband will experience fullness, sufficiency, and will not face scarcity or the pressure to seek more due to a shortage within his household.
- of spoil (שָׁלָל - shalal): While literally meaning "plunder" or "booty" captured in war, in this context, shalal metaphorically refers to "gain," "profit," or "acquisition" obtained advantageously or successfully. Scholars understand it to mean that because of her effective management, productivity, and diligent work, he won't be compelled to seek questionable or strenuous external means of profit; rather, the "gain" comes to them through her efforts, preventing any lack and ensuring a surplus.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her: This phrase underscores the profound relational and emotional security derived from the virtuous wife. It emphasizes that her reliability, integrity, and proactive management lead to her husband's profound inner peace and an unwavering confidence that their shared resources and future are in capable hands. This trust enables the husband to function without anxiety or distraction concerning domestic affairs.
- so that he shall have no need of spoil: This segment connects the wife's excellence directly to the practical prosperity and well-being of the family. Her actions negate the necessity for the husband to desperately seek any kind of external "spoil" or aggressive acquisitions to ensure their sustenance. Her diligence prevents any shortage, fostering an environment of sufficiency and honorable acquisition, demonstrating her concrete, positive economic impact on the household.
Proverbs 31 11 Bonus section
- The placement of this verse early in the acrostic poem (the second letter, 'Beth') highlights trust as a foundational quality of the virtuous woman, underpinning all her subsequent actions detailed in the passage.
- The word shalal in this context also implies a general sense of advantage or benefit, suggesting that his lack of "need for spoil" means he won't be at a disadvantage or lack valuable assets because of her. Her presence and actions secure positive outcomes for him and the household.
- This verse indirectly encourages husbands to foster an environment where such trust can be nurtured and justified, recognizing the value and agency of their wives' contributions to the family's holistic well-being.
Proverbs 31 11 Commentary
Proverbs 31:11 profoundly establishes the wife's pivotal role in the marital and domestic sphere. Her virtue isn't merely an abstract quality but is manifest in tangible actions that foster deep trust and economic stability. This trust is built on a foundation of consistent character, diligence, and prudent management, extending beyond affection to competency. Because she actively ensures the household thrives, her husband is free from anxiety about their provision, his public image is upheld, and he does not need to resort to strenuous or even risky endeavors to secure "gain" for his family. The verse highlights that a godly wife is not a burden but an indispensable contributor, creating an atmosphere of security and prosperity that liberates and elevates her husband.