Proverbs 31:2-12

2 "My son, I gave birth to you. You are the son I prayed for.

3 Don't waste your strength on women or your time on those who ruin kings.

4 "Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel, and rulers should not desire beer.

5 If they drink, they might forget the law and keep the needy from getting their rights.

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

7 Let them drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more.

8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing.

9 Speak up and judge fairly, and defend the rights of the poor and needy."

10 It is hard to find a good wife, because she is worth more than rubies.

11 Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs.

12 She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives.

Proverbs 31:2-12 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.