Proverbs 31:31
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Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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But the rule does not apply to all women, for most do not deserve it. Lazy servants are not honored. The virtuous wife is rare (31:10), exceptional (31:29), and godly (31:30). Most women, by definition, are common, average, and not godly; and many are worse.
If all women were honored from this proverb, many evils would be encouraged (30:21-23; 20:4) and reward and honor abused (19:10; 26:1; Eccl 10:5-7). Every woman should measure herself by the virtuous woman before she thinks herself worthy of fruit or praise. But the man blessed by God with the woman of our context should reward and honor her in her own name before others. He should praise and exalt this greatest of earthly gifts.
He should "give her of the fruit of her hands." She was created for the man, and her productive labor is at his disposal (Gen 2:18; I Cor 11:9). But heaven orders him to give her a portion of it for her own use. He should not give her all of the fruit of her hands, or the wise design of marriage is overthrown. But he must give her some of it. Such a just and fitting reward will encourage her spirit and provide for further productivity (31:16).
The virtuous woman - a very exceptional woman - was involved in significant projects outside the home. She analyzed and bought commercial real estate and invested in it for productive returns (31:16). She manufactured upscale material, ran a sales operation for it, and supplied girdles to wholesalers (31:24). There was much fruit to divide with her!
A wise husband will "let her own works praise her in the gates." Her accomplishments should be known in her own name, rather than her husband taking personal credit for his growing estate. A wise man will praise an exceptional wife for her great deeds. He will not stifle or restrict the honor that she receives, even if it might match or exceed his own.
The virtuous woman does not seek the praise of men. Self-promotion or pursuit of public attention reviles her nature. But it is the duty of husbands and children to promote their wives and mothers for proper recognition and the holy example they give to others.
Our Lord praises His churches and saints, when they do well; and their works follow them to that glorious place by His gracious design (Rev 14:13; I Tim 5:25; Matt 25:40).
A great wife should be rewarded and honored. God cares for hard working oxen (Deut 25:4); He surely cares for great and godly women (I Cor 9:7-14; I Tim 5:18; I Pet 3:7). If masters honor great servants, husbands should honor great wives (17:2; 27:18).
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