Proverbs 31:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 31:11 mean?

Proverbs 31:11 describes a husband who can rely on his wife and feel secure about their household’s resources. The KJV’s phrase “no need of spoil” points to a household that will not lack gain or valuable goods.

The verse follows the praise of a wife whose worth is “far above rubies” in verse 10. Verse 11 turns from her value to the confidence her husband places in her. The word “heart” pictures that confidence as something held deep within him.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 31:11

• “trust” — בָּטַח (bataḥ): This word often means to rely on someone with confidence. Here, the husband’s trust is placed in his wife herself.
• “spoil” — שָׁלָל (shalal): This word can mean goods taken in battle, or gain and valuable goods more broadly. In this household setting, it is often understood as gain or resources rather than the literal spoils of war.

Why Proverbs 31:11 matters

• The verse connects trust with the household’s well-being. The wife’s later work with food, clothing, and trade helps show how the household gains and is provided for (verses 13–19, 24).
• The surrounding passage gives the wife an active part in managing resources. Verse 16 describes her considering a field and buying it, which adds detail to the confidence expressed in verse 11.