Proverbs 31:26

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

This verse is part of the final section of the book of Proverbs, commonly known as the "Virtuous Woman" passage. It is an acrostic poem describing the qualities of an ideal wife or woman of noble character. Proverbs 31:26 specifically highlights two important attributes: wisdom and kindness.

Wisdom:The verse begins by stating, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom." This suggests that the virtuous woman possesses discernment and understanding, which are expressed through her words. Wisdom is highly regarded in the book of Proverbs as a characteristic to pursue and cultivate. The virtuous woman’s wisdom is likely a product of her fear of the Lord and her commitment to seeking His guidance in all areas of life (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

Applying it today: As believers, we should strive to develop wisdom by studying God’s Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, and seeking counsel from wise individuals. When we speak, our words should reflect godly wisdom, offering encouragement, truth, and guidance to those around us.

Kindness:The second part of the verse says, "in her tongue is the law of kindness." This emphasizes the virtuous woman’s gentle and gracious speech. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and it should permeate our interactions with others. The virtuous woman’s words are marked by compassion, empathy, and love.

Applying it today: We are called to follow the example of Christ, who demonstrated kindness and compassion to everyone He encountered. In our daily lives, we should strive to speak words of kindness, building others up rather than tearing them down. Our speech should reflect God’s love, and our words should be a source of encouragement and comfort to those around us.

In summary, Proverbs 31:26 teaches us about the qualities of a virtuous woman. She opens her mouth with wisdom, demonstrating discernment and understanding in her speech. Moreover, her tongue is characterised by kindness, reflecting compassion, love, and empathy. As we seek to apply these principles to our own lives, we can grow in wisdom and kindness, allowing our words to have a positive and transformative impact on those around us.