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The Accomplished wife

Proverbs 31:25 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²⁵Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.

Strength and dignity are her clothing. Ths woman’s (עֹז oz or עוֹז oz) strength refers to her being strong both physically and mentally. She can exert great force in caring for her family and withstand great force in dealing with the difficulties of life, focusing on her ability to do what is desired, intended, or necessary. She is worthy of (הָדָר hadar) esteem and respect.

And she laughs at the time to come. She (שְׂחוֹק sechoq or שְׂחֹק sechoq) laughs mockingly, derisively, laughs at, communicating through words and laughter, making fun of the future that causes her no distress, implying lack of concern or anger over the future.

Because this woman takes care of all things capably with her love of God and family, by her efforts, she feels rewarded, as her family feels safe and protected and does not undergo anxiety about what the future holds. Instead, they are assured that life will be the best that it can be in any circumstance because of this woman, who is sound in mind and possesses the strength required to endure the hardships of life in this fallen world.

She relies on her immense savings and supplies and even more on herself; inward resilience, strength, craftiness, and skill. She laughs at the future, even if it brings difficult times. Instead, she rejoices in her God and her family and the time to come in being with them. Her laughing at the future is not any kind of presumptuous self-confidence but only an awareness of having all that is needed or will be needed, having prepared well, and if need be her abilities to acquire what is needed in a time of distress. She knows that she is competent enough to handle any for the future, and this is not a case of overconfidence; it is her trust in God and her capableness. “Being a woman of character and strength, she is prepared for whatever may come.”[1]

[1] Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol. 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 251.