Proverbios 31:1-9

1 Palabras del rey Lemuel, oráculo que le enseñó su madre.

2 ¿Qué, hijo mío? ¿Qué, hijo de mis entrañas? ¿Qué, hijo de mis votos?

3 No des tu vigor a las mujeres, ni tus caminos a lo que destruye a los reyes.

4 No es para los reyes, oh Lemuel, no es para los reyes beber vino, ni para los gobernantes desear bebida fuerte;

5 no sea que beban y olviden lo que se ha decretado, y perviertan los derechos de todos los afligidos.

6 Dad bebida fuerte al que está pereciendo, y vino a los amargados de alma.

7 Que beba y se olvide de su pobreza, y no recuerde más su aflicción.

8 Abre tu boca por los mudos, por los derechos de todos los desdichados.

9 Abre tu boca, juzga con justicia, y defiende los derechos del afligido y del necesitado.

Proverbios 31:1-9 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.