What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:14?

She is like

• The comparison opens a window into her character: steady, purposeful, always moving toward a worthy goal (Proverbs 31:10–12; Proverbs 12:4).

• Scripture often uses “like” to paint vivid pictures—think of “like a tree planted by streams of water” in Psalm 1:3—so here we are invited to visualize her life in motion, not static.

• Just as 1 Peter 3:5–6 commends women who “hoped in God” and displayed respectful conduct, this woman’s likeness points to faith‐fueled action.

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the merchant ships

• Merchant vessels of Solomon’s era ventured far, carried costly cargo, and returned on schedule (1 Kings 10:22; Psalm 107:23–24).

• By borrowing that image, the verse celebrates her industry, planning, and willingness to shoulder risk so her household prospers (Proverbs 31:16–18).

• She operates with the same purposeful regularity Paul encouraged in Titus 2:3–5—working in such a way that “the word of God will not be maligned.”

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bringing her food

• Provision is personal: she does not outsource responsibility but “works with willing hands” (Proverbs 31:13) to place nourishment on the table.

• Her example echoes the ant gathering in Proverbs 6:6–8 and affirms the principle of 1 Timothy 5:8—providing for one’s own is integral to godliness.

• While Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), this woman shows that trusting God and diligent labor walk hand in hand (Colossians 3:23).

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from afar

• She refuses the easy route. If quality lies at a distance, she goes the distance—mirroring Ruth’s tireless gleaning “from morning until now” (Ruth 2:7, 17).

• The phrase also hints at foresight: she anticipates needs before scarcity strikes, similar to Joseph laying up grain “during the seven years of abundance” (Genesis 41:48–49).

• Her reach illustrates Proverbs 31:27—she “does not eat the bread of idleness.” Excellence, not convenience, guides her choices.

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summary

Proverbs 31:14 portrays a virtuous woman whose faith expresses itself in energetic, strategic care. Like dependable merchant ships, she ventures beyond the familiar, secures the best for those she loves, and returns with tangible blessings. Her diligence models the harmony of trust in God and wholehearted effort, inspiring every believer to pursue excellence for the good of the home and the glory of the Lord.