Proverbs 31:1-9

The Words of Lemuel

1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle^[a] that his mother taught him:

2 What [should I say], my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?

3 Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers [to desire] beer.

5 Otherwise, they^[b] will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^{[c] [d]}

6 Give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter.

7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.

8 Speak up^[e] for those who have no voice,^[f] for the justice of all who are dispossessed.^[g]

9 Speak up,^[h] judge righteously, and defend the cause of^[i] the oppressed and needy.

Proverbs 31:1-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or of Lemuel, king of Massa
• [b]. Lit he
• [c]. Lit sons of affliction
• [d]. Ps 72:1-2; Isa 28:7
• [e]. Lit Open your mouth
• [f]. Lit who are mute
• [g]. Lit all the sons of passing away
• [h]. Lit Open your mouth
• [i]. Lit and justice for