Proverbs 31:13
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Original Language Analysis
דָּ֭רְשָׁה
She seeketh
H1875
דָּ֭רְשָׁה
She seeketh
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
וַ֝תַּ֗עַשׂ
and worketh
H6213
וַ֝תַּ֗עַשׂ
and worketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, textile production was central to household economy. Women spun, wove, and dyed fabrics for family use and trade. Quality raw materials (fine wool, Egyptian flax) required knowledge and effort to source. This was skilled economic activity, not mere domestic drudgery.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between working 'willingly with hands' (joyful diligence) and both laziness and joyless workaholism?
- How can your daily work—whatever your vocation—be offered as worship that images the Creator's delight in His work?
- In what areas might you be seeking 'wool and flax'—pursuing excellence in raw materials and preparation—rather than settling for mediocrity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She seeketh wool, and flax—The Hebrew darash (דָּרַשׁ, to seek/inquire) implies diligent searching, not passive acquisition. Tzemer (צֶמֶר, wool) and pishtim (פִּשְׁתִּים, flax/linen) were primary textile materials—wool for warmth, linen for coolness and priestly garments. Worketh willingly with her hands combines chefetz (חֵפֶץ, delight/pleasure) with kapayim (כַּפַּיִם, palms/hands)—she works with joyful eagerness, not grudging necessity.
This rebukes both idleness (condemned in 2 Thessalonians 3:10) and joyless toil (the curse of Genesis 3:17-19 redeemed). The virtuous woman images the Creator who worked to fashion the world and 'saw that it was good' (Genesis 1:31). Redeemed labor is worship—skillful work done with 'hands' that honor God through excellence and diligence.