What does Proverbs 31:15 mean?

The excellent wife (Proverbs 31:10) of this passage is depicted in the context of an ancient middle eastern home. Her virtues include hard work (Proverbs 31:13), competence (Proverbs 31:19), kindness (Proverbs 31:20), and wisdom (Proverbs 31:26). The depiction here contrasts with other warnings about laziness (Proverbs 6:10–11; 19:15). The godly wife does not put off what needs to be done—as is true of any godly person, married or not.

As part of this lesson's context, the woman in question is rising early to supervise the home. The "portions" given are described by the term hōq', implying tasks or assignments. Rather than sleeping in late and expecting others to take up the slack, she takes an active role. She not only provides the resources needed (Proverbs 31:14), but she also makes sure they are used appropriately (Proverbs 31:27).

A complete inversion of this comes from the Old Testament, in Pharaoh's command to his taskmasters to require Hebrew slaves to provide their own straw for bricks (Exodus 5:4–9). Exodus 5:15–16 says, "Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, 'Why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, "Make bricks!" And behold your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.'" The Egyptians treated the Israelis as chattel slaves—as subhuman property—and expected them to produce even when they weren't given the right resources. The godly person doesn't debase other people; they are involved and diligent, even when they are the one "in charge.".