She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31 is a poem near the very end of the book of Proverbs, describing a woman of exceptional character — most likely an idealized portrait meant to embody wisdom in a life fully lived, rather than a description of one specific historical person. The poem is striking for its ancient context: it depicts a woman who is economically shrewd, physically capable, deeply generous, and widely respected — far beyond a narrow domestic role. This verse highlights the quality of her speech specifically. 'She speaks with wisdom' means her words carry substance and discernment. 'Faithful instruction' translates a Hebrew phrase that literally means 'the teaching of kindness' or 'Torah of hesed' — hesed being the Hebrew word for loyal, steadfast love. Her words are not merely intelligent; they are rooted in love and faithfulness to others.
God, let my words be worth something today. In quick texts and long conversations, at the dinner table and in tense moments — let wisdom and kindness shape what comes out of my mouth. Guard me from words that wound without purpose, and give me the courage to speak truth with love. Amen.
Words weigh almost nothing and can change everything. You probably carry something someone said to you years ago — a teacher who told you that you were capable when you felt invisible, a friend's comment that landed like a fist, a parent's offhand remark at the dinner table that you have never quite been able to set down. Words outlast their moment. The woman in this ancient poem is remarkable in many ways — her work ethic, her business sense, her generosity toward people in need — but the poet pauses to notice this: when she opens her mouth, what comes out is wisdom shaped by kindness. Not gossip. Not flattery. Not clever self-promotion. Wisdom rooted in love. The phrase 'faithful instruction' in Hebrew is literally 'the *teaching* of kindness.' That is a striking combination: faithfulness and kindness braided together in the very way someone speaks. Think about the people in your life who most need to hear something true right now. Are your words with them shaped more by impatience and the need to be right, or by this kind of steady, faithful gentleness? You do not have to have all the answers. But you can choose to be someone whose words are both honest and kind — and that combination turns out to be rarer than you might think.
This verse highlights both wisdom and 'the teaching of kindness' — what is the difference between just saying correct things and speaking with this kind of wisdom, and can you think of someone in your life who genuinely models it?
What words has someone spoken over you that you still carry — for good or for ill — and what does that tell you about the weight of the things you say to the people around you?
Is it possible to be so focused on being kind that you avoid hard truths to keep the peace? How do you hold honesty and kindness together without sacrificing one for the other?
How do the people you live with or interact with most often leave conversations with you — energized and seen, or quietly worn down? What does their experience actually tell you?
What is one specific relationship where you could choose more intentionally this week to speak with both wisdom and kindness — and what would that practically look like in a real conversation?
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb , sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:4
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Proverbs 31:8
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Peter 3:5
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
Proverbs 10:31
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Colossians 4:5
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Proverbs 12:18
She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
AMP
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
ESV
She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
NASB
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
NIV
She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
NKJV
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
NLT
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
MSG