Proverbs 31:1-9

1 These are the words of King Lemuel, the mes- sage his mother taught him:

2 "My son, I gave birth to you. You are the son I prayed for.

3 Don't waste your strength on women or your time on those who ruin kings.

4 "Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel, and rulers should not desire beer.

5 If they drink, they might forget the law and keep the needy from getting their rights.

6 Give beer to people who are dying and wine to those who are sad.

7 Let them drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more.

8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing.

9 Speak up and judge fairly, and defend the rights of the poor and needy."

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.