Proverbs 31:18
New International Version
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

New Living Translation
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

English Standard Version
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

Berean Standard Bible
She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

King James Bible
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

New King James Version
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.

New American Standard Bible
She senses that her profit is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.

NASB 1995
She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.

NASB 1977
She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.

Legacy Standard Bible
She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.

Amplified Bible
She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].

Christian Standard Bible
She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.

American Standard Version
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.

Contemporary English Version
She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night.

English Revised Version
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: her lamp goeth not out by night.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
She sees that she is making a good profit. Her lamp burns late at night.

Good News Translation
She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night.

International Standard Version
She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.

Majority Standard Bible
She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

NET Bible
She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night.

New Heart English Bible
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.

Webster's Bible Translation
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

World English Bible
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
She has perceived when her merchandise [is] good, "" Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.

Young's Literal Translation
She hath perceived when her merchandise is good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.

Smith's Literal Translation
She tasted that her traffic is good: her light will not go out by night.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night.

Catholic Public Domain Version
She has tasted and seen that her tasks are good; her lamp shall not be extinguished at night.

New American Bible
She enjoys the profit from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night.

New Revised Standard Version
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out all night.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
She has tasted that her merchandise is good and her lamp does not go out all night.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; Her lamp goeth not out by night.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
17She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. 18She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. 19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.…

Cross References
Genesis 1:31
And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

2 Corinthians 8:21
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.

Ephesians 6:7-8
Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, / because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

1 Timothy 5:10
and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Titus 2:7-8
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, / and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Isaiah 3:10
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.


Treasury of Scripture

She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

perceiveth or tasteth her candle

Genesis 31:40
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

Psalm 127:2
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Matthew 25:3-10
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: …

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Proverbs 31
1. Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance
6. The afflicted are to be comforted and defended
10. The praise and properties of a good wife














She sees that her gain is good
This phrase highlights the wisdom and discernment of the virtuous woman. In the biblical context, "gain" refers to the fruits of her labor, which are both material and spiritual. The Hebrew word for "gain" can also imply profit or merchandise, suggesting that her efforts in managing her household and business ventures are successful and beneficial. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Proverbs 14:23, "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty." The virtuous woman is diligent and industrious, reflecting the biblical ideal of hard work leading to prosperity. Her ability to recognize the value of her work is a testament to her wisdom and understanding, qualities that are praised throughout the book of Proverbs.

and her lamp is not extinguished at night
This phrase symbolizes her tireless dedication and vigilance. In ancient times, a lamp burning at night was a sign of watchfulness and readiness. The imagery of a lamp is often used in Scripture to represent guidance, truth, and the presence of God, as seen in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The virtuous woman's lamp not being extinguished signifies her continuous care for her household and her preparedness to meet any needs that arise. It also reflects her spiritual alertness and commitment to maintaining the light of God's wisdom in her life. This perpetual light can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12), indicating that her life is a reflection of His light and truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Virtuous Woman
The subject of Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing wisdom, diligence, and virtue. She embodies the qualities that are esteemed in a godly woman.

2. The Household
The context of this verse is the household of the virtuous woman, where her industriousness and foresight benefit her family and community.

3. The Marketplace
Implied in the verse is the marketplace where the woman engages in trade and commerce, ensuring that her gain is good.
Teaching Points
Diligence and Discernment
The virtuous woman is discerning in her work, recognizing the value of her efforts. Believers are encouraged to be diligent and discerning in their endeavors, ensuring that their work is fruitful and beneficial.

Preparedness and Vigilance
Her lamp not being extinguished at night symbolizes constant readiness and vigilance. Christians are called to be spiritually prepared and vigilant, maintaining their faith and witness at all times.

Value of Hard Work
The verse highlights the importance of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from seeing the fruits of one's labor. Believers should embrace hard work as a means to glorify God and serve others.

Stewardship of Resources
The virtuous woman is a good steward of her resources, ensuring that her gain is good. Christians are encouraged to wisely manage their resources, using them for God's glory and the benefit of others.Verse 18. - TETH. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; Vulgate, Gustavit et vidit quia bona est negotiatio ejus, where the paraphrase, "she tastes and sees," expresses the meaning of the verb taam here used. Her prudence and economy leave her a large surplus profit, which she contemplates with satisfaction. There is no suspicion of arrogance or conceit, The pleasure that is derived from duty done and successfully conducted business is legitimate and healthy, a providential reward of good works. Septuagint, "She tastes that it is good to work." This comfort and success spur her on to further and more continued exertion. Her candle (lamp) goeth not out by night. She is not idle even when night falls, and outdoor occupations are cut short; she finds work for the hours of darkness, such as is mentioned in the next verse. One recalls Virgil's picture of the thrifty housewife ('AEneid,' 8:407) -

"Inde ubi prima quies medio jam noctis abactae
Curriculo expulerat somnum, cum femina primum,
Cui tolerare colo vitam tenuique Minerva
Impositum, cinerem et sopitos suscitat ignis,
Noctem addens operi, famulesque ad lumina longo
Exercet penso."
Some take the lamp here in an allegorical sense, as signifying life, happiness, and prosperity, as Proverbs 13:9 and Proverbs 20:20; others, as denoting a bright example of diligence and piety (Matthew 5:16). But the simple meaning seems to be the one intended. Wordsworth notes that the passage in Revelation 18, which speaks of the "merchandise" of the false Church, also affirms that "the light of a candle" shall shine in her no more, the two metaphors in our passage applied to the true Church being there applied to Babylon.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
She sees
טָ֭עֲמָה (ṭā·‘ă·māh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2938: To taste, to perceive

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

her gain
סַחְרָ֑הּ (saḥ·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5504: Commerce, gain

[is] good,
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

and her lamp
נֵרָֽהּ׃ (nê·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

is not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

extinguished
יִכְבֶּ֖ה (yiḵ·beh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3518: To be quenched or extinguished, to go out

at night.
בַלַּ֣יְלָה (ḇal·lay·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 31:17
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