Proverbs 31:20 - Exposition

CAPH . She is not impelled by selfish greed to improve her means and enlarge her revenues. She is sympathizing and charitable, and loves to extend to others the blessings which have rewarded her efforts. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. "Hand" is here caph, "the palm,'' evidently containing alms. She knows the maxim ( Proverbs 19:17 ), "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord," etc.; and she has no fear of poverty. Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy . "Hand," is here yod , with its nerves and sinews ready for exertion (see on Proverbs 10:4 ); and the idea is that she puts forth her hand to raise and soothe the poor man, not being satisfied with dealing alms to him, but exercising the gentle ministries of a tender love. Septuagint, "She opens her hands to the needy, and reaches forth her wrist ( καρπὸν ) to the poor." Like Dorcas, she is full of good works and alms deeds ( Acts 9:36 ). It is doubtless implied that the prosperity which she experiences is the reward of this benevolence ( Proverbs 22:9 ).