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Proverbs 30:23

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 30:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
Proverbs 30:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 30

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.
21For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, [which] it cannot bear:
22For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food;
23For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:
25The ants are a people not strong, Yet they provide their food in the summer;
26The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks;
← Proverbs 30:22Proverbs 30:24 →
← Full Chapter 30 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“heir . . . mistress--that is, takes her place as a wife (Gen 16:4).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Odious woman - One in whom there is nothing loveable. Marriage, which to most women is the state in which they find scope for their highest qualities, becomes to her only a sphere in which to make herself and others miserable. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“An odious - Proud, and perverse. Married - For then she displays all those ill humours, which before, she concealed. Is heir - Which great and sudden change transports her beside herself, and makes her insufferably proud and scornful. Proverbs 30:27”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“an odious: Pro 19:13, Pro 21:9, Pro 21:19, Pro 27:15 an handmaid: Pro 29:21 Proverbs 30:24”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 30 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification