Proverbs 31:1-11

1 These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:

2 "You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you?

3 Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings.

4 Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.

5 When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need.

6 Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery.

7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.

8 "Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.

9 Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy."

10 How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!

11 Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor.

Proverbs 31:1-11 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.