Proverbs 31:3-13

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^[a] will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^[b] ^[c]

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^[d] for those who have no voice,^[e] for the justice of all who are dispossessed.^[f]

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

In Praise of a Capable Wife

10 Who can find a capable wife?^[i] She is far more precious than jewels.^[j] ^[k]

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.

12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax^[l] and works with willing hands.

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Proverbs 31:3-13 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 12

[a]. Lit he
[b]. Lit sons of affliction
[c]. Ps 72:1-2; Isa 28:7
[d]. Lit Open your mouth
[e]. Lit who are mute
[f]. Lit all the sons of passing away
[g]. Lit Open your mouth
[h]. Lit and justice for
[i]. Or a wife of quality, or a wife of good character; Ru 2:1; 3:11
[j]. Vv. 10-31 form an acrostic in Hb.
[k]. Pr 12:4; 18:22
[l]. Plant from which linen is made