Proverbs 31:18 kjv

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:18 nkjv

She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.

Proverbs 31:18 niv

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

Proverbs 31:18 esv

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

Proverbs 31:18 nlt

She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 18 Meaning

Proverbs 31:18 describes the virtuous woman's discernment and relentless industry. She perceives, through experience and wisdom, that her efforts yield valuable and profitable outcomes. Consequently, her dedication is unceasing; her "lamp" of activity and provision does not diminish or go out even through the night, signifying her constant vigilance, enduring labor, and unwavering prosperity that results from her diligence.

Proverbs 31 18 Context

Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem (each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) praising the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: Eshet Ḥayil). This section follows instructions from a mother to her son, King Lemuel, about righteous rule and avoiding corrupting influences. The poem outlines the characteristics, activities, and spiritual depth of an ideal woman. Verse 18 is part of the larger description of her active management of her household and commercial enterprises. Historically and culturally, in ancient Israelite households, women played a vital role in domestic production, textile work, and trade, often managing family finances and ensuring provision. The lamp not going out at night emphasizes sustained effort and the continuous nature of providing for the household, beyond the typical daylight hours.

Proverbs 31 18 Word analysis

• She perceiveth (טָעֲמָה ṭa'amah): From the root "to taste." It signifies more than just intellectual understanding; it implies an experiential knowing, a discernment that comes from practical engagement. She "tastes" the results of her labor and finds them good. This speaks of acute judgment, practical wisdom, and confirming the quality of her output or venture.
• that her merchandise (סַחְרָהּ saḥrāh): Refers to her trading, commerce, or the goods produced through her diligent work, which she perhaps sells or uses. It encompasses the output of her industry, whether it's textiles, foodstuffs, or other profitable ventures. This implies her involvement in productive, commercial activity, possibly managing a small enterprise.
• is good (טוֹב ṭov): Meaning "good, beneficial, pleasing, right, successful, profitable." It speaks not merely to quality but also to the positive and ethical outcome of her efforts. Her merchandise is good because it serves a purpose, yields a profit, and perhaps is made with integrity.
• her lamp (נֵרָהּ nerah): Literally "her lamp" or "her light." In ancient times, a lamp was essential for light during darkness. Metaphorically, a "lamp" represents one's life, prosperity, legacy, wisdom, vigilance, and continued activity. For a person, a lamp signifies vitality and ongoing influence.
• goeth not out (לֹא יִכְבֶּה lo yikbeh): Meaning "not extinguish, not put out, not go out." It implies continuity and endurance. The lamp not going out by night suggests relentless activity, sustained provision, continuous preparedness, or unbroken prosperity. It paints a picture of someone whose work is never truly done, but whose efforts never cease to yield fruit, contrasting with idleness or failure.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good": This phrase highlights the discerning judgment and wisdom of the virtuous woman. Her ventures are not arbitrary; she intentionally produces or engages in commerce that she knows, from experience, is profitable and ethically sound. This indicates a high level of business acumen, quality control, and an understanding of value. It reflects careful planning and a diligent assessment of her outcomes.
• "and her lamp goeth not out by night": This phrase is a powerful metaphor for her unceasing diligence and unwavering dedication. While others might rest, her work continues, symbolically, as her "lamp" remains lit. This points to her indefatigable spirit, her vigilance in household management and financial oversight, and her continuous pursuit of providing for her family. It symbolizes enduring prosperity and blessing that stems from persistent effort, contrasting with the precariousness of those whose lamps might go out, signifying ruin or idleness.

Proverbs 31 18 Bonus section

The metaphor of the "lamp" often extends beyond physical light or even material prosperity to represent life itself, enduring witness, and divine favor. A lamp going out symbolizes death, ruin, or the cessation of blessing (Job 18:6, Pro 13:9). Conversely, a lamp that does not go out signifies a vibrant, thriving, and blessed existence. The virtuous woman's unextinguished lamp can therefore be understood not just as an indicator of her relentless activity but also as a symbol of an abiding light of wisdom and life within her household, demonstrating divine blessing on her efforts. This constant glow testifies to her ongoing impact and the enduring fruit of her wisdom-guided industriousness, contrasting sharply with the fleeting successes or outright failures born of sloth and lack of discernment.

Proverbs 31 18 Commentary

Proverbs 31:18 showcases two interconnected facets of the excellent wife's character: keen discernment and ceaseless diligence. Her discernment is practical; she doesn't just work hard, but she works smart. She experientially "tastes" the goodness and profitability of her endeavors, whether in managing her household resources or engaging in commercial activities. This ensures her efforts are not wasted but yield tangible benefits. The second part, "her lamp goeth not out by night," vividly portrays her relentless work ethic. This isn't merely about working late hours but about continuous vigilance and productivity that provides ongoing blessing and stability to her household. Her light of provision, wisdom, and active stewardship never fades. It speaks to her being an unwavering source of order, light, and provision in her family's life, reflecting deep responsibility and commitment that endures through all circumstances.

Practical usage examples:

• A student diligently studying for an exam, putting in consistent effort even into the late hours, knowing their preparation will yield good results.
• A dedicated parent who continually plans and prepares for their family's needs, managing resources and teaching values, ensuring their household remains stable and nourished.
• A Christian leader or servant who continuously labors in ministry, always seeking to serve and provide spiritual light, knowing their faithful work for the Lord is never in vain.