Proverbs 31:22
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Original Language Analysis
עָֽשְׂתָה
She maketh
H6213
עָֽשְׂתָה
She maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שֵׁ֖שׁ
is silk
H8336
שֵׁ֖שׁ
is silk
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
4 of 6
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Cross References
Revelation 19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.Proverbs 7:16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.Genesis 41:42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
Historical Context
In ancient culture, clothing signified social status and family honor. A wife's appearance reflected on her husband's standing in the community. Fine textiles like linen (from Egypt) and purple-dyed fabrics represented significant wealth and were appropriate for respected families, not wasteful luxury.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance appropriate self-care and dignity with avoiding vanity or materialism?
- What does it mean to accept material blessings as God's gifts without making them idols?
- In what ways might neglecting yourself actually dishonor the household and calling God has given you?
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Analysis & Commentary
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple—Continuing the ש (shin) line, this verse describes marvadim (coverings/quilts) and shesh v'argaman (fine linen and purple). While verse 21 emphasized her household's welfare, verse 22 shows she doesn't neglect herself. Purple dye, extracted laboriously from murex snails, signified wealth and status (Judges 8:26, Esther 8:15, Luke 16:19).
This balance refutes ascetic contempt for beauty and appropriate self-care. The eshet chayil is neither vain nor self-neglecting—she adorns herself fittingly, reflecting her household's prosperity. Proverbs affirms material blessings as God's good gifts when held rightly (3:9-10, 10:22). Her fine clothing honors her husband (v.23) and reflects the dignity of her character, not empty ostentation.