Proverbs 31:17 - Exposition

KHETH . She girdeth her loins with strength ( Proverbs 31:25 ). This seems at first sight a strange assertion to make concerning one of the weaker sex; but the phrase is metaphorically expressive of the energy and force with which she prepares herself for her work. Strength and vigour are, as it were, the girdle which she binds round her waist to enable her to conduct her operations with case and freedom. So we have a similar metaphor boldly applied to God ( Psalms 93:1 ): "The Lord reigneth, he is apparelled with majesty; the Lord is apparelled, he hath girded himself with strength" (cf. Job 38:3 ). Strengtheneth her arms . By daily exercise she makes her arms firm and strong, and capable of great and continued exertion.