Proverbs 31:3-23

3 Don't give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; 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:

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute, In the cause of all who are left desolate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And serve justice to the poor and needy."

10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm, All the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, And works eagerly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

15 She rises also while it is yet night, Gives food to her household, And their task to her servant girls.

16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.

19 She lays her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; Yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:3-23 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.