Proverbs 31:1-11

1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink?

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice [due] to any that is afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.

Proverbs 31:1-11 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.