Proverbs 31:1-11

1 The sayings of King Lemuel, a prophetic revelation, used by his mother to discipline him.

2 "What, my son? What, son to whom I gave birth? What, son of my prayers?

3 Don't give your strength to women or your power to those who ruin kings.

4 "It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor.

5 Otherwise, they drink and forget what they have decreed and change the standard of justice for all oppressed people.

6 Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful.

7 Such a person drinks and forgets his poverty and does not remember his trouble anymore.

8 "Speak out for the one who cannot speak, for the rights of those who are doomed.

9 Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people."

10 "Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels.

11 Her husband trusts her with [all] his heart, and he does not lack anything good.

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.