Proverbes 31:1-9

1 Paroles du roi Lemuel. Sentences par lesquelles sa mère l'instruisit.

2 Que te dirai-je, mon fils? que te dirai-je, fils de mes entrailles? Que te dirai-je, mon fils, objet de mes voeux?

3 Ne livre pas ta vigueur aux femmes, Et tes voies à celles qui perdent les rois.

4 Ce n'est point aux rois, Lemuel, Ce n'est point aux rois de boire du vin, Ni aux princes de rechercher des liqueurs fortes,

5 De peur qu'en buvant ils n'oublient la loi, Et ne méconnaissent les droits de tous les malheureux.

6 Donnez des liqueurs fortes à celui qui périt, Et du vin à celui qui a l'amertume dans l'âme;

7 Qu'il boive et oublie sa pauvreté, Et qu'il ne se souvienne plus de ses peines.

8 Ouvre ta bouche pour le muet, Pour la cause de tous les délaissés.

9 Ouvre ta bouche, juge avec justice, Et défends le malheureux et l'indigent.

Proverbes 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.