Proverbs 31:1-9

1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy with which his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Do not give thy strength nor thy ways unto the women who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor is beer for princes

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.

Proverbs 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.