משלי, פרק ל״א, פסוק ל״א

The final message of the song of the woman of valor shifts the focus from her endless hard work to the recognition and reward she truly deserves. After a lifetime of pouring her energy into building her home and supporting her family, the time comes to repay her and allow her actions to speak for themselves. The call to reward her with the fruits of her labor raises a question about who is doing the giving and what exactly is being given. One view suggests that this is a father's request to his sons, urging them to offer their mother the verbal honor and recognition she has earned through her efforts [אבן עזרא, עמנואל הרומי]. Another perspective views the giver as God, who grants her abundance, divine care, and a good reward for her actions [רלב״ג, אמרי דעת]. Ultimately, she does not need unearned gifts or charity, because the very fruits of her own honest labor are her true reward [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Taking a deeper approach, the call is directed at the husband and children to share their spiritual merits with her. Since her unwavering dedication is what allowed them to study Torah in the first place, their achievements are essentially hers as well [אלשיך].

The primary approach among commentators is that this woman does not need formal titles or empty praise from others. Instead, her good deeds and natural skills serve as her greatest tribute, testifying to her character. The public gates represent the center of the city where the wise and important figures gather. It is there that her fine traits and fear of God are spoken of with deep respect [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג]. Furthermore, these gates represent the academies and places of Torah study. In these halls of learning, the husband's wisdom is recognized by all, a wisdom that only grew and flourished because of her constant support [אלשיך].

Beyond the literal meaning, the text serves as a multi-layered spiritual parable. Some see the woman of valor as a symbol of the Torah itself, which rewards those who study it with glory, strength, and leadership in the time to come [רש״י]. Another major approach views the woman as a metaphor for the intellectual soul. After a lifetime in this world, spending its days performing commandments through the physical body, the soul eventually receives its true reward in the spiritual realm. The angels created from her good deeds become her defenders, praising her at the high gates of the Garden of Eden [אלשיך, עמנואל הרומי, מצודת דוד]. In contrast, a different view suggests the parable is actually about the physical body. When a person purifies their physical desires and refines their body to be as excellent as a woman of valor, a perfect harmony forms between body and soul. This balance allows a person to fully dedicate themselves to serving God and acquiring true wisdom [אמרי דעת].