Proverbs 31:25 kjv

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Proverbs 31:25 nkjv

Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

Proverbs 31:25 niv

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25 esv

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

Proverbs 31:25 nlt

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 25 Meaning

Proverbs 31:25 portrays the virtuous woman (Eshet Chayil) as someone whose very being is characterized by profound inner fortitude and an esteemed, noble presence. These qualities are so intrinsic to her that they are metaphorically her "clothing," visible to all as part of her identity. Because of this inherent strength and dignity, coupled with her diligent actions and trust in the Lord, she possesses a joyful confidence that enables her to face the uncertainties and challenges of the future without fear or anxiety, instead approaching them with serene composure.

Proverbs 31 25 Context

Proverbs chapter 31 is typically divided into two sections. Verses 1-9 offer counsel from King Lemuel's mother (often traditionally identified with Bathsheba) concerning just rule, avoiding depravity, and speaking for the voiceless. Verses 10-31 then present an acrostic poem (each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) praising the "Eshet Chayil" or "Woman of Valor/Virtue/Strength." This section provides an ideal portrait of wisdom personified and applied in daily life. It culminates the wisdom tradition of the Book of Proverbs, showing how practical diligence, skill, resourcefulness, and deep moral and spiritual character lead to honor and security. Proverbs 31:25 specifically contributes to this multifaceted portrayal, highlighting the woman's inner resilience and confident outlook, which are consequences of her godly character and wise living. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, women faced particular vulnerabilities regarding old age and widowhood if not adequately prepared; this woman’s fearlessness counters such anxieties, affirming divine provision through diligence.

Proverbs 31 25 Word analysis

• Strength (עֹז - ʿoz): This Hebrew term denotes power, might, courage, and resilience. It's not primarily physical prowess, but an inner moral and spiritual fortitude. It signifies firmness of character, ability to endure hardship, and unwavering resolve, often attributed to God Himself (e.g., Ps 29:11). For this woman, it implies a vigorous spirit, integrity, and capability.
• and: A simple conjunction connecting two foundational qualities that describe her intrinsic nature.
• dignity (הָדָר - hadar): Refers to splendor, majesty, honor, glory, or comeliness. It conveys an outward noble bearing and inner worthiness that commands respect. Often associated with royal splendor or divine majesty (e.g., Ps 96:6, Ps 104:1). Her dignity is a natural outflow of her virtuous character and actions, making her esteemed.
• are her clothing: This is a powerful metaphor. It signifies that strength and dignity are not external adornments put on for display, but are intrinsic to her being, defining her very identity and visible character. They are woven into the fabric of who she is, habitual and foundational, not superficial. Her character is revealed by what she "wears."
• and she laughs (שָׂחַק - sāḥaq): This Hebrew verb means "to laugh, to play, to rejoice." Here, it signifies confident joy and security, freedom from anxiety, rather than mockery or frivolousness. Her laughter is born of certainty, not naive optimism. It is the antithesis of fear or dread concerning what the future may bring.
• at the time to come (יוֹם אַחֲרוֹן - yom aḥaron): Literally "latter day" or "last day," this refers to the future in general—its uncertainties, challenges, potential adversities, old age, or unexpected trials. The woman faces the unknown future with a profound sense of security and optimism, a direct result of her diligent preparation, wise management of her household, and trust in God's provision.

Words-group analysis

• Strength and dignity: This pairing describes a woman of profound inner resolve and outward honor. Her strength is her inner resilience and moral backbone, allowing her to face difficulties with courage. Her dignity is her noble and respected bearing, reflecting her intrinsic worth and the honor she has cultivated through her actions. These two qualities collectively form her solid, respectable character.
• are her clothing: This phrase emphasizes that these attributes are not merely occasional acts or acquired possessions, but an integral part of her essence and identity. They are permanently integrated into her character, making them perpetually manifest and the source of her stability and reputation. Her very outward appearance reflects her inward righteousness and power.
• she laughs at the time to come: This powerful statement reveals the practical outcome of her established character. Because she is clothed with strength and dignity—meaning she is wise, diligent, prepared, and trusts in God—she does not dread the future. Instead, she greets it with joyful confidence, knowing that her past actions and present faithfulness, combined with God's providence, secure her future. Her serenity contrasts sharply with the anxieties and fears common in human experience regarding unknown tomorrows.

Proverbs 31 25 Bonus section

• The "clothing" metaphor in scripture often carries significant spiritual or symbolic weight. Just as priestly robes signify a special status, or rags poverty, the "clothing" of strength and dignity highlights the inherent nobility and enduring spiritual state of the virtuous woman. This stands in stark contrast to the outward, temporary adornments often valued in ancient cultures.
• The phrase "laughs at the time to come" is an antithesis to the pervasive fear and anxiety about the future common in many ancient (and modern) societies, especially regarding economic stability, security in old age, or societal disruptions. Her secure and joyful posture is a direct testament to her reliance on wisdom and divine providence, setting her apart.
• The concept of "Eshet Chayil" or Woman of Valor, which this chapter portrays, serves as a rich literary device. It's not just a descriptive ideal but also functions as a personification of "wisdom" itself, similar to how wisdom is personified as a woman in earlier chapters of Proverbs. Thus, to be clothed with strength and dignity and laugh at the future is also to embody wisdom in action.

Proverbs 31 25 Commentary

Proverbs 31:25 provides a succinct yet profound summary of the inner fortitude and outlook of the Woman of Valor. Her "strength" is not brute physical force but robust spiritual and moral resilience, enabling her to persevere and lead effectively. Her "dignity" is an innate sense of worth and a respected demeanor that stems from her virtuous living and wise choices, drawing respect from all. These defining characteristics are so fundamental that they metaphorically serve as her "clothing," illustrating how inextricably linked they are to her very identity. Because she is so intrinsically equipped and her life is ordered by wisdom and God-reliance (as detailed in preceding verses), she harbors no fear for the unknown "time to come." Instead, she "laughs"—a genuine expression of confident joy and deep-seated security—at the prospect of future challenges, old age, or any adversity. This laughter symbolizes a mind at peace, unburdened by anxiety, resting in divine provision and the fruits of her diligent labor.