Proverbs 31:1-11

1 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him:

2 What, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?

3 Give not your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all who are left desolate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the rights of the poor and needy.

10 A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will 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.