Proverbs 31:7-17

7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and no longer remember their toil.

8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.

9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.

The competent wife

10 A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls.

11 Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs.

12 She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life.

13 She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands.

14 She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance.

15 She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants.

16 She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.

17 She works energetically; her arms are powerful.

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Proverbs 31:7-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 31

This chapter contains the last part of the book of Proverbs; which some reckon the fifth, others the sixth. It contains the instructions of the mother of a prince, whose name was Lemuel, which she gave unto him; and which are so valuable, as to be annexed to the proverbs of Solomon. The preface or introduction to them is in Pr 31:1; the address to her son, Pr 31:2. The vices she cautions him against are uncleanness and intemperance; which she dissuades from, because of the pernicious consequences of both to kings and to their subjects, Pr 31:3-5. Advises rather to give wine and strong drink to poor people, such as are in distress; as being more useful to them, at least less prejudicial, Pr 31:6,7; and exhorts her son to the duties of his office; by pleading the cause of the poor and injured, and administering justice to them, Pr 31:8,9. And then at large describes a virtuous woman; perhaps designed as an instruction to her son in the choice of a wife, Pr 31:10-31; though more than that may be intended by it.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Footnotes 1

[a]. Or all children who are passing away