Proverbs 31:5-15

5 lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the poor rightly.

6 Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:

7 that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles any more.

8 Open thy mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.

9 Open thy mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.

10 Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.

12 For she employs all her living for her husband's good.

13 Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.

14 She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood.

15 And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and tasks to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:5-15 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.