Proverbs 31:5-15

5 lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give beer unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those that have heavy hearts.

7 They drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for those who cannot speak in the judgment of all the sons of death.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and destitute.

10 Aleph Who can find a valiant woman? for her price is far above precious stones.

11 Beth The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 Gimel She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 Daleth She sought wool and flax and worked willingly with her hands.

14 He She was like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar.

15 Vau She rose up even at night and gave food to her family and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:5-15 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.