Proverbs 31:2-12

2 quid dilecte mi quid dilecte uteri mei quid dilecte votorum meorum

3 ne dederis mulieribus substantiam tuam et vias tuas ad delendos reges

4 noli regibus o Lamuhel noli regibus dare vinum quia nullum secretum est ubi regnat ebrietas

5 ne forte bibat et obliviscatur iudiciorum et mutet causam filiorum pauperis

6 date siceram maerentibus et vinum his qui amaro sunt animo

7 bibant ut obliviscantur egestatis suae et doloris non recordentur amplius

8 aperi os tuum muto et causis omnium filiorum qui pertranseunt

9 aperi os tuum decerne quod iustum est et iudica inopem et pauperem

10 aleph mulierem fortem quis inveniet procul et de ultimis finibus pretium eius

11 beth confidit in ea cor viri sui et spoliis non indigebit

12 gimel reddet ei bonum et non malum omnibus diebus vitae suae

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.