Proverbs 31:26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Original Language Analysis
פִּ֭יהָ
her mouth
H6310
פִּ֭יהָ
her mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
פָּתְחָ֣ה
She openeth
H6605
פָּתְחָ֣ה
She openeth
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
2 of 7
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וְת֥וֹרַת
is the law
H8451
וְת֥וֹרַת
is the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
חֶ֝֗סֶד
of kindness
H2617
חֶ֝֗סֶד
of kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 7
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
Cross References
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Proverbs 10:31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.Malachi 2:6The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.Proverbs 25:15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.Esther 5:8If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.Acts 18:26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.1 Peter 3:1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Historical Context
In ancient Israelite culture, mothers were primary educators of children (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20), teaching both practical skills and moral instruction. Older women also mentored younger women (Titus 2:3-5). The 'law of kindness' on her tongue reflects Torah's vision of gracious, life-giving speech that builds up rather than tears down.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your words demonstrate both wisdom (truth/discernment) and chesed (gracious loyalty)?
- What would it mean for the 'law of kindness' to govern your speech—not sentimentality but covenant faithfulness?
- In what areas might you need to develop competence in words as much as competence in hands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness—The פ (pe, meaning 'mouth') line fittingly addresses speech. Chokhmah (wisdom) encompasses skill, discernment, and moral insight—the central theme of Proverbs itself. Her words aren't idle chatter but edifying counsel. The parallel torat-chesed (law/teaching of kindness) suggests both gracious manner and substantive instruction.
Chesed (covenant loyalty, steadfast love) governs her speech—she speaks truth with grace, correction with compassion. This recalls Proverbs' earlier personification of Wisdom as a woman calling out instruction (1:20-33, 8:1-36). The eshet chayil embodies that wisdom in flesh and blood. She is competent not only in hands (vv.13,19-20) but also in words, teaching her household and community the ways of God.