Proverbs 31.20
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
In addition to using her hands to do work and care for her family, the godly woman also opens her heart and her hands to the poor and needy. She is not self-absorbed. She does not turn a blind eye to people in the community who are in need of a helping hand.
I think it fair to assume that she taught her family to recognize and respond to the needs of the poor. She did not raise a self-oriented family; rather, she raised a family that was giving and supportive toward others.
Proverbs 31.21
“She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.”
The virtuous woman is diligent and strategic. She looks ahead and sees the needs that are coming, so she can prepare for them in advance and be ready when they arrive.mShe is ready for winter or any other situation that requires special preparation. Her family is well prepared for the cold weather, but they will also look good in the fine clothing she obtains for them. The virtuous woman makes sure her family is clothed and protected both physically and spiritually.
The text also has beautiful symbolism in it. The color scarlet is often a metaphor/symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ, and that might very well be a deeper message in this verse. Winter is symbolic of barren times. Therefore, it is quite possible the verse is foreshadowing God’s children being redeemed from the barrenness of sin because they are clothed in the blood of Jesus.
The household is one of several metaphors the NT uses to describe the church. Scripture tells us that the church is Christ’s body on earth (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:27), and his beloved bride (Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 21:2). The church is also described as the temple of God built with “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5).
The household metaphor is found 1 Timothy 3.15, where the apostle Paul writes, “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
A “household” is a family unit with organized structure, lines of authority, various functions, and, when operating effectively, is bound together by agape love. And because the church, as God’s household, is also the “pillar and foundation of the truth,” Paul goes to great pains to instruct Timothy (and us) concerning “how to conduct ourselves” in God’s household.
Most importantly, the church — the household of God — is clothed in the scarlet of the blood of Jesus. Indeed, the blood of Christ is the only way to gain entrance to the Lord’s eternal family. This is where I see the connection to Proverbs 31.21.
“You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
