:17 She strengthens herself. She doesn't neglect her well-being. She is "strngthened with might through His spirit" (Ephesians 3:16), and she knows she can "do all things through Christ" who strengthens her (Philippians 4:13).
:18 She knows her "merchandise" is good. It is a pearl of great price. She keeps careful watch over it ("her lamp doesn't go out"). She lets her light shine so that her groom is visible to all.
:19 She makes use of what she has--yarn, spindle, etc. She uses her talents faithfully to honor her groom.
:20 She remembers the poor and needy and helps them. She know we will always have the poor with us. She sees an opportunity to do something "as unto the Lord" and does it.
:21 She is faithful "in season, out of season." Even in hard times (snow), her household is clothed in scarlet (expensive fabric). She wants the best for her family. The bride's love is expressed toward her family (church) by giving her finest wares in her groom's name.
:22 She also expects the best for herself. She is clothed in "fine linen and purple (also expensive)." The groom (Christ) owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" and He wants His bride to be adorned with His fine robe (of righteousness). She understands He paid a very high price for it -- His life. He wants her to prosper and be in health "even as her soul prospers." (3 John :2).
:23 She is mindful of her influence. "In the gates" was a place of importance where transactions and leadership actions took place. She knew she could be a good influence or a bad influence on the progress of her groom's business (spreading the gospel to the world). She chose the good.
:24 She is always alert for opportunities to complement her groom's investments. The bride watches for opportunities to make the name of her groom known and respected to further the work of His Kingdom.
:25 Strength (in the Power of His might) and honor (uprightness) cover her and give promise of eternal riches to come.
:26 She keeps close watch on her heart and her mouth, because she knows "out of the heart the mouth speaks." She demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit and lives by the law of kindness.
:27 She watches her household. She recognizes and accepts the responsibility she has for others. She is not idle, but watches, prays and stays sober minded while waiting for her groom to come, claim her as His bride and consummate the marriage.
:28 She has taught the way of righteousness to her household to avoid rebellion and receives praise from her betrothed. She longs to hear His "Well done!"
:29 She has done well, because she put her trust in His strength.
:30 Charm and beauty are superficial and will fade and deceive, but she has chosen to put her trust in her beloved. She knows that any efforts she has put forth for her groom will be worth His acceptance when He comes to take her to His eternal Kingdom.
:31 She will reap the harvest of the fruit of her hands. "In the gates" (a place of authority) she will honored. Her groom has given her His name and the authority it represents. She has been faithful over a few things and is now ready to be made ruler over many.
