Mishle 31:1-9

1 1 The devarim of Lemuel Melech, the massa (burden, oracle) that immo taught him.

2 What, my bar (son, see Ps 2:12)? And what, the bar of my womb? And what, the bar of my nedarim (vows)?

3 Give not thy strength unto nashim, nor thy drakhim to that which destroyeth melachim.

4 It is not for melachim, O Lemuel, it is not for melachim to drink yayin; nor for rulers to crave strong drink;

5 Lest they drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the justice of the bnei oni (all the oppressed afflicted people).

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and yayin unto those that be of bitter nefesh.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his amal (misery) no more.

8 Open thy peh (mouth) for the illem (mute) in the cause of all such as are bnei chalof (sons of destitution).

9 Open thy peh (mouth), judge tzedek, and plead the cause of the oni and the evyon.

Mishle 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.