Proverbs 31:1-6

1 The words of king Lemo'el; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2 "Oh, my son!" Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
3 Don't give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemo'el; 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 anyone who is afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul:

Proverbs 31:1-6 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.

The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.