Proverbs 31:27
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Original Language Analysis
צ֭וֹפִיָּה
She looketh well
H6822
צ֭וֹפִיָּה
She looketh well
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
הֲלִיכ֣וֹת
to the ways
H1979
הֲלִיכ֣וֹת
to the ways
Strong's:
H1979
Word #:
2 of 7
a walking; by implication, a procession or march, a caravan
בֵּיתָ֑הּ
of her household
H1004
בֵּיתָ֑הּ
of her household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְלֶ֥חֶם
not the bread
H3899
וְלֶ֥חֶם
not the bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 7
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
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 2:4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,Proverbs 14:1Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Historical Context
Household management in ancient times required constant vigilance—overseeing servants, monitoring supplies, ensuring children were cared for and educated, maintaining productive rhythms. The household was an economic unit requiring active leadership to function properly. Sloth threatened not just personal comfort but family survival.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you 'eating the bread of idleness'—consuming without contributing?
- How does vigilant oversight differ from anxious micromanagement or passive neglect?
- What would it mean to view diligence as covenant faithfulness rather than mere productivity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness—The צ (tsade) line uses tsophiyah (watches over/oversees), a term for watchmen or sentinels (Isaiah 52:8, Ezekiel 3:17). The eshet chayil vigilantly monitors her household's halikhot (ways/doings)—not micromanaging but exercising responsible oversight. This is active leadership, not passive presence.
Eateth not the bread of idleness (lechem atslut lo tokhel) directly opposes the sluggard (atsel) condemned throughout Proverbs (6:6-11, 13:4, 19:24, 20:4, 24:30-34). Atslut (idleness/slothfulness) is moral failure, not mere inefficiency. She refuses to consume without contributing, to benefit from others' labor while shirking her own. Her diligence is covenant faithfulness—stewarding God's gifts rather than squandering them.