Proverbs Chapter 31

From The Open Bible Project

31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

• (a) That is, of Solomon who was called Lemuel, that is, of God, because God had ordained him to be king over Israel.
• (b) The doctrine which his mother Bathsheba taught him.

31:2 "Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

• (c) By this often repetition of one thing, she declares her motherly affection.

31:3 Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

• (d) Meaning, that women are the destruction of kings, if they hunt them.

31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'

• (e) That is, the king must not give himself to wantonness, and neglect of his office, which is to execute judgment.

31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

• (f) For wine comforts the heart as in (Psalms 104:15).

31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

• (g) Defend their cause that are not able to help themselves.

31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."

31:10 [12]Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.

31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

• (h) He will not need to use any unlawful means to gain his living.

31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

31:14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

31:15 She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

• (i) She prepares their food early.

31:16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

• (k) She purchases it with the gains of her travail.

31:17 She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.

31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

31:20 She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.

31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

• (l) In the assemblies and places of judgment.

31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

• (m) After he had spoken of the apparel of the body, he now declares the apparel of the spirit.

31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.

• (n) Her tongue is a book by which one might learn many good things: for she delights to talk of the word of God.

31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

• (o) That is, do her reverence.

31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you excel them all."

31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.

31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!

• (p) Confess her diligent labours, and commend her therefore.
• (q) Forasmuch as the most honourable are clad in the apparel that she made.