Proverbs 31:1

¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

The words {H1697} of king {H4428} Lemuel {H3927}, the prophecy {H4853} that his mother {H517} taught {H3256} him.

The words of King L'mu'el, the prophecy with which his mother disciplined him:

These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:

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

Commentary

Proverbs 31:1 introduces a unique section of the book of Proverbs, distinct from the sayings of Solomon. This verse attributes the following words to King Lemuel, explicitly stating that they are a "prophecy" or authoritative oracle taught to him by his mother.

Context

Unlike many other sections of Proverbs that begin with "The proverbs of Solomon," this chapter opens with an attribution to an otherwise unknown "King Lemuel." While his identity is debated—some scholars suggest he might be a symbolic figure or even an alternative name for Solomon—the most significant detail is that the wisdom originates from his mother. This highlights the profound and respected role of maternal instruction in ancient Israelite society, particularly in shaping the character and conduct of a future ruler. This introduction sets the stage for the weighty counsel that follows, which includes advice for a king on righteous rule and, famously, the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31.

Key Themes

  • Maternal Influence: The verse emphasizes the critical role of a mother in imparting wisdom and moral guidance to her children, especially those destined for leadership. It underscores the lasting impact of early upbringing.
  • Divine Authority of Counsel: The term "prophecy" (Hebrew: massa') suggests that these are not merely personal opinions but a weighty, divinely inspired message or oracle. This elevates the significance of the mother's teachings, presenting them as authoritative truth.
  • Preparation for Leadership: The very nature of the advice given to a king implies that true leadership requires a foundation of moral integrity, justice, and wisdom, often instilled from a young age.

Linguistic Insights

The name Lemuel (לְמוּאֵל) in Hebrew is often interpreted as "belonging to God" or "devoted to God." This meaning itself could be symbolic, indicating a king who is dedicated to divine principles. The word translated "prophecy" is massa' (מַשָּׂא), which can mean "burden," "oracle," or "prophecy." In this context, it denotes a solemn, weighty utterance, often implying a divine origin or a message of profound importance, rather than solely a predictive prophecy.

Significance and Application

Proverbs 31:1 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of parental wisdom and the responsibility of parents to instill godly principles in their children. For individuals, it encourages openness to receive wise counsel, recognizing that profound truth can come from unexpected sources, especially within the family. For leaders, it highlights that effective governance is rooted in moral character, often shaped by early instruction. The "prophecy" aspect also reminds us that truly beneficial advice aligns with divine truth, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and integrity, much like the call for righteousness in kingship.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 6:20

    ¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

  • 2 Timothy 1:5

    When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

  • Proverbs 1:8

    My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Proverbs 30:1

    ¶ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
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