Proverbs 31:1-7

1 verba Lamuhel regis visio qua erudivit eum mater sua

2 quid dilecte mi quid dilecte uteri mei quid dilecte votorum meorum

3 ne dederis mulieribus substantiam tuam et vias tuas ad delendos reges

4 noli regibus o Lamuhel noli regibus dare vinum quia nullum secretum est ubi regnat ebrietas

5 ne forte bibat et obliviscatur iudiciorum et mutet causam filiorum pauperis

6 date siceram maerentibus et vinum his qui amaro sunt animo

7 bibant ut obliviscantur egestatis suae et doloris non recordentur amplius

Proverbs 31:1-7 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.