Proverbs31

Proverbs 31 begins with King Lemuel's mother's counsel, urging him to avoid destructive women and strong drink, and to uphold justice for the poor and afflicted. The chapter then transitions to a detailed description of a virtuous woman, whose worth is far above rubies. She is characterized by diligence, wisdom, generosity, and a deep commitment to her household and the fear of the Lord, earning her praise from her family and community.

Advice from King Lemuel's Mother

1
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. ​
2
“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! ​
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 decree, 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.”

The Woman of Valor (Eshet Hayil)

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 portions for her servant girls.
16
She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. ​
17
She arms her waist 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 opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends 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. ​
24
She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
25
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. ​
26
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue. ​
27
She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.
28
Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: ​
29
“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”
30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. ​
31
Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates! ​

Study Notes for Proverbs 31

Verse 1

Lemuel is unknown outside this passage. The text attributes this wisdom to the king's mother, emphasizing the profound influence of maternal instruction in royal education.

Verse 2

The triple rhetorical question emphasizes the depth of the mother's concern and the solemn responsibility placed on the son, who was perhaps dedicated to God ('son of my vows').

Verse 3

This warns against sexual promiscuity and indulgence in relationships that deplete a king’s moral and physical resources, a common failing among ancient monarchs.

Verse 4

Kings must maintain clear judgment to ensure justice (Deut 17:14-20). Alcohol clouds the mind, making impartial rule impossible.

Verse 5

To 'forget the law' means to neglect the covenant responsibilities of a righteous ruler, leading directly to the miscarriage of justice for the vulnerable.

Verse 6

This provides a contrast: while rulers must be sober, strong drink is appropriate as a palliative for the desperately suffering or dying, offering temporary relief from extreme misery.

Verse 8

The king's primary duty is social justice. He must use his royal authority ('Open thy mouth') to advocate for the voiceless, the vulnerable, and those condemned unjustly.

Verse 10

This verse introduces the famous acrostic poem (Vv. 10–31). The Hebrew *’ēšet ḥayil* means 'woman of strength' or 'woman of worth,' signifying her moral and practical competence.

Verse 11

Her trustworthiness is complete. Because she manages resources so well, her husband has no need to acquire wealth dishonestly ('spoil') or worry about domestic security.

Verse 13

She is proactive and industrious, involved in textile production from the raw materials (wool and flax), highlighting her direct labor and management skills.

Verse 14

This metaphor emphasizes her shrewdness and foresight; she acquires the best provisions through careful planning, ensuring high quality and abundance for her family.

Verse 16

She is an astute businesswoman, capable of evaluating and investing in property using the profits of her own labor, demonstrating financial independence and competence.

Verse 18

Her constant diligence is symbolized by her working late into the night. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable and is motivated by success.

Verse 20

Her industry is balanced by compassion. Her wealth and competence are used to actively support the poor and needy in the community, demonstrating practical piety.

Verse 21

'Scarlet' (or double-dyed clothing) indicates warmth and quality. Her preparations are thorough and luxurious, protecting her family from hardship (the 'snow').

Verse 23

Her competence and standing reflect positively on her husband, who gains public respect and leisure time to participate in civic governance ('in the gates') because his domestic affairs are impeccable.

Verse 25

Her true clothing is moral strength and dignity. She faces the future ('time to come') with confidence because her character and preparations are sound.

Verse 26

Her speech is characterized by wisdom and instruction. Her management style is marked by kindness and grace, showing she instructs and manages her household through gentle authority.

Verse 28

The primary sources of her honor are her family. The blessing and praise from her children and husband validate her role and contribution.

Verse 30

This is the theological conclusion: outward appearance (beauty) is fleeting. True, lasting praise and worth come only from reverence for God ('feareth the LORD').

Verse 31

The final instruction demands public recognition for her efforts. Her accomplishments should be acknowledged openly in the public sphere ('the gates'), confirming her societal value.

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