Proverbs 31:10-31

10 aleph mulierem fortem quis inveniet procul et de ultimis finibus pretium eius

11 beth confidit in ea cor viri sui et spoliis non indigebit

12 gimel reddet ei bonum et non malum omnibus diebus vitae suae

13 deleth quaesivit lanam et linum et operata est consilio manuum suarum

14 he facta est quasi navis institoris de longe portat panem suum

15 vav et de nocte surrexit deditque praedam domesticis suis et cibaria ancillis suis

16 zai consideravit agrum et emit eum de fructu manuum suarum plantavit vineam

17 heth accinxit fortitudine lumbos suos et roboravit brachium suum

18 teth gustavit quia bona est negotiatio eius non extinguetur in nocte lucerna illius

19 ioth manum suam misit ad fortia et digiti eius adprehenderunt fusum

20 caph manum suam aperuit inopi et palmas suas extendit ad pauperem

21 lameth non timebit domui suae a frigoribus nivis omnes enim domestici eius vestiti duplicibus

22 mem stragulam vestem fecit sibi byssus et purpura indumentum eius

23 nun nobilis in portis vir eius quando sederit cum senatoribus terrae

24 samech sindonem fecit et vendidit et cingulum tradidit Chananeo

25 ain fortitudo et decor indumentum eius et ridebit in die novissimo

26 phe os suum aperuit sapientiae et lex clementiae in lingua eius

27 sade considerat semitas domus suae et panem otiosa non comedet

28 coph surrexerunt filii eius et beatissimam praedicaverunt vir eius et laudavit eam

29 res multae filiae congregaverunt divitias tu supergressa es universas

30 sin fallax gratia et vana est pulchritudo mulier timens Dominum ipsa laudabitur

31 thau date ei de fructu manuum suarum et laudent eam in portis opera eius

Proverbs 31:10-31 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.