Proverbs 31:4-14

4 "Lemuel, it isn't good for kings to drink wine. It isn't good for rulers to long for beer.

5 If they do, they might drink and forget what the law commands. They might take away the rights of all those who are beaten down.

6 Give beer to those who are dying. Give wine to those who are sad and troubled.

7 Let them drink and forget how poor they are. Let them forget their suffering.

8 "Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.

9 Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for the rights of those who are poor and needy."

The Noble Wife

10 Who can find a noble wife? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband trusts her completely. She gives him all the important things he needs.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She chooses wool and flax. She loves to work with her hands.

14 She is like the ships of traders. She brings her food from far away.

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Proverbs 31:4-14 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

Proverbs 31:4-14

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The Noble Wife

Images for Proverbs 31:4-14

Proverbs 31:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 31