Proverbios 31:1-9

1 Los dichos del rey Lemuel
Los dichos del rey Lemuel contienen el siguiente mensaje,
que le enseñó su madre.

2 Oh hijo mío, oh hijo de mi vientre,
oh hijo de mis votos,

3 no desperdicies tu vigor con mujeres,
esas que arruinan a los reyes.

4 No es para los reyes, oh Lemuel, beber mucho vino.
Los gobernantes no deberían ansiar bebidas alcohólicas.

5 Pues si beben, podrían olvidarse de la ley
y no harían justicia a los oprimidos.

6 Las bebidas alcohólicas son para los que se están muriendo,
y el vino para los que sufren angustias amargas.

7 Que beban para olvidar su pobreza
y nunca más se acuerden de sus problemas.

8 Habla a favor de los que no pueden hablar por sí mismos;
garantiza justicia para todos los abatidos.

9 Sí, habla a favor de los pobres e indefensos,
y asegúrate de que se les haga justicia.

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.