Proverbs 31:1-9

The Sayings of King Lemuel

1 These are the sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught them to him. She spoke them as if they came from God.

2 She said, "My son! My very own son! The son I prayed for!

3 Don't waste your strength on women. Don't waste it on those who destroy kings.

4 "Lemuel, it isn't good for kings to drink wine. It isn't good for rulers to long for beer.

5 If they do, they might drink and forget what the law commands. They might take away the rights of all those who are beaten down.

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

7 Let them drink and forget how poor they are. Let them forget their suffering.

8 "Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.

9 Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for the rights of those who are 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.