Proverbs 31:27 kjv
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 nkjv
She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 niv
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 esv
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 nlt
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Proverbs 31 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 6:6 | Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: | Encouragement for diligent work. |
| Prov 10:4 | He that dealeth with a slack hand maketh poor: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. | Contrast between laziness and diligence. |
| Prov 12:24 | The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. | Diligence leads to leadership and reward. |
| Prov 13:4 | The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. | Lack of diligence leads to unfulfilled desires. |
| Prov 14:23 | In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. | Work yields fruit, idle talk does not. |
| Prov 15:19 | The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. | Idleness creates obstacles; diligence removes them. |
| Prov 19:15 | Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. | Idleness brings poverty and lack. |
| Prov 20:4 | The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. | Timeliness and work ethic for provision. |
| Prov 21:25 | The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. | Desire without labor is self-destructive. |
| Prov 24:30-34 | I went by the field of the slothful...and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns... So thy poverty come as one that travelleth. | Vivid imagery of neglect leading to ruin. |
| Prov 28:19 | He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. | Working the land brings abundance. |
| Ecc 9:10 | Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; | Exhortation to perform tasks diligently. |
| Matt 25:26 | His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: | Condemnation of sloth in the parable of talents. |
| Rom 12:11 | Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; | Be diligent and zealous in service to God. |
| Col 3:23-24 | And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. | Work as service to Christ with dedication. |
| 1 Thess 4:11-12 | And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands... that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. | Living self-sufficiently through honest labor. |
| 2 Thess 3:10 | For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. | Direct consequence of idleness. |
| Eph 4:28 | Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. | Productive labor for self and others. |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. | Responsibility to provide for one's household. |
| Titus 2:4-5 | That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. | Qualities for women, including home management. |
| Heb 6:11-12 | And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. | Encouragement to remain diligent and avoid laziness. |
| Psa 128:2 | For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. | Blessing and contentment from earned labor. |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. | Good stewardship of gifts, applying to all domains. |
Proverbs 31 verses
Proverbs 31 27 Meaning
This verse describes the virtuous woman's diligent oversight of her home and her active rejection of idleness. She is proactive in managing her household's affairs, ensuring all its functions are carried out effectively and purposefully. Her sustenance and comfort are results of her industrious labor, not from negligence or unproductive living. It highlights her stewardship, resourcefulness, and work ethic.
Proverbs 31 27 Context
Proverbs 31:27 is part of a larger acrostic poem (verses 10-31) in praise of the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: ’eshet chayil). This poem serves as an ideal and comprehensive description of a woman whose character, industry, wisdom, and godliness contribute significantly to the well-being and prosperity of her household and community. The verses preceding 27 have already established her strength, resourcefulness in managing textiles and investments, and her care for her family's needs. Verse 27 specifically hones in on her diligent supervision and industrious nature as key components of her household management. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, the woman played a critical role in the domestic economy. The household was a primary economic unit, and its efficiency depended heavily on the woman's administrative and practical skills. This depiction challenges any notion of a passive or limited role for women, portraying instead an active and indispensable partner in creating a thriving home. It implicitly presents a polemic against idleness, whether by men or women, upholding the virtue of hard work as essential for a flourishing life and community, distinct from cultures that might have privileged leisure over labor for the elite.
Proverbs 31 27 Word analysis
- She looketh well (צֳפִיָּה - tsofiyah): This Hebrew term signifies active, vigilant observation, a keen watch, or an overseeing gaze. It implies not just passively seeing but a thorough, discerning, and purposeful scrutiny. The woman is not absent or neglectful; she is engaged, aware, and proactive in assessing the state and processes of her household, anticipating needs and problems before they arise. This proactive oversight is akin to a sentinel keeping watch, highlighting her responsibility and vigilance.
- to the ways (הֲלִיכוֹת - halikhot): From the root meaning "to walk" or "to go," halikhot here refers to the daily customs, procedures, activities, conduct, and internal workings of the household. It encompasses everything from the physical flow of work to the relational dynamics and the moral conduct of those within the home. This woman is concerned with how things are done and the path the household is taking, indicating a methodical and organized approach.
- of her household (בֵּיתָהּ - beitah): This denotes "her house" or "her home," encompassing not only the physical structure but also all its inhabitants (children, servants, husband) and all the affairs and resources within its domain. It represents her primary sphere of management and responsibility, underscoring the vital role of the domestic realm.
- and eateth not (וְלֶחֶם לֹא־תֹאכֵל - v'lehem lo'-tokhel): This is a strong negative statement, emphasizing what she does not do. "Bread" (לֶחֶם - lehem) represents sustenance, livelihood, or the fruits of labor. The implication is that her livelihood is always earned, never obtained without effort.
- the bread of idleness (עַצְלוּת - atslut): This Hebrew term signifies sloth, laziness, inactivity, or neglect. "The bread of idleness" is sustenance acquired through inactivity, dependence, or avoidance of duty. This woman refuses to partake of such a "bread," signifying her complete rejection of laziness as a way of life or a source of provision. She is self-sufficient and generates value through her hard work.
Words-group analysis:
- "She looketh well to the ways of her household": This phrase paints a picture of a proactive and engaged manager. It's not about being a busybody, but a responsible leader who actively monitors and guides the activities and conduct within her home. It speaks to wise governance, foresight, and meticulous care for her family's well-being. This requires intelligence, foresight, and excellent organizational skills.
- "and eateth not the bread of idleness": This second part of the verse presents a stark contrast and reinforces the first. Her active management is because she disdains idleness. Her diligence ensures she and her household live by earned sustenance, valuing productive labor. It is a testament to her character, illustrating self-respect, independence, and an adherence to the principle that one should earn what one consumes. It implies a moral stance against dependency born of negligence.
Proverbs 31 27 Bonus section
The concept of "looking well to the ways of her household" transcends mere domestic tasks; it speaks to intelligent and administrative leadership. This woman manages the equivalent of a substantial estate or enterprise in her context, requiring strategic planning, resource allocation, and supervision of people (family members and servants). This proactive governance protects against potential decay or waste. Furthermore, her refusal of "the bread of idleness" highlights a foundational biblical principle that self-sufficiency through honest work is honorable and blessed, in direct contrast to dependency rooted in laziness. This principle applies universally, extending beyond the home to how any individual manages their respons gifts, time, and responsibilities, serving God diligently in all endeavors. It embodies true Christian stewardship—being a faithful overseer of what God has entrusted, rather than passively allowing circumstances to dictate outcomes.
Proverbs 31 27 Commentary
Proverbs 31:27 portrays the ideal virtuous woman as an embodiment of diligence and responsibility. She is not merely observing, but actively "looking well" or supervising every aspect and habit within her home. This implies an acute awareness of daily routines, the needs of her family, the efficient use of resources, and the overall moral and practical trajectory of her household. She is a wise manager, foreseeing issues and orchestrating solutions, thus ensuring her household's stability and prosperity. This proactive involvement is underscored by her refusal to consume "the bread of idleness." This metaphor clearly states that her provision and lifestyle are a direct result of her own earnest labor and industrious spirit, never from neglect, passivity, or an undue reliance on others' efforts without contributing her share. Her example is a strong call for all believers to reject sloth and embrace productive stewardship in their assigned spheres, managing their responsibilities with watchfulness and earning their provision through dedicated work, honoring God with their labor and diligent oversight.