Proverbs 31:3

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Give {H5414} not thy strength {H2428} unto women {H802}, nor thy ways {H1870} to that which destroyeth {H4229} kings {H4428}.

Don't give your strength to women or your ways to that which destroys kings.

Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.

Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Proverbs 31:3, part of the counsel given by King Lemuel's mother, offers a profound warning, particularly relevant for those in positions of leadership or influence. This verse serves as a cautionary principle against destructive indulgences and corrupting influences.

Context

This verse is found within the final chapter of Proverbs, which begins with the "words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him" (Proverbs 31:1). The counsel is directed at a king, underscoring the high stakes involved in his choices. It precedes the famous description of the virtuous woman, creating a stark contrast between destructive relationships and edifying ones. The advice is practical wisdom for maintaining moral integrity and effective leadership, warning against common pitfalls that could jeopardize a ruler's reign.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Preservation of Strength and Integrity: The phrase "give not thy strength unto women" is a warning against allowing lust, promiscuity, or entanglement with immoral women to drain one's physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality. For a king, this "strength" also includes his resources, focus, and moral authority. It’s not a condemnation of women in general but of destructive sexual indulgence and relationships that lead to moral compromise.
  • Avoiding Ruinous Vices: "Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings" broadens the warning. This refers to any vice or indulgence—often specifically sexual immorality, but also excessive drinking, gambling, or idolatry—that historically led to the downfall of rulers. Such behaviors compromise judgment, weaken resolve, and can lead to personal and national ruin.
  • Leadership and Morality: The verse highlights the critical link between a leader's personal morality and his ability to govern effectively. A king whose "ways" are corrupted by vice loses the respect of his people and the favor of God, jeopardizing his reign and the well-being of his nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strength" (chayil) can mean physical might, wealth, moral power, or even military prowess. In this context, it encompasses all that makes a man, especially a king, effective and honorable. "Destroyeth kings" emphasizes the ultimate consequence of these vices, highlighting their potent ability to bring down even the most powerful individuals and their kingdoms.

Related Scriptures

History provides many examples of kings who fell due to these very issues. King Solomon, despite his great wisdom, was led astray by his many foreign wives, who turned his heart after other gods, leading to the division of his kingdom. Similarly, King David's sin with Bathsheba had devastating consequences for his family and kingdom. The New Testament also warns against sexual immorality, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18, emphasizing that it is a sin against one's own body and spirit.

Practical Application

For a general audience, this verse is a timeless warning against any addiction or destructive relationship that drains one's vitality, resources, and moral compass. It encourages self-control, discipline, and discernment in personal relationships and choices. It prompts individuals to guard their hearts and minds against influences that could lead to spiritual, financial, or relational ruin. Whether one is a leader or a private citizen, maintaining integrity and avoiding corrupting vices is essential for a fulfilling and purposeful life that honors God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Nehemiah 13:26

    Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

  • Deuteronomy 17:17

    Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

  • Proverbs 7:26

    For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her.

  • Proverbs 7:27

    Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

  • Proverbs 5:9

    Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

  • Proverbs 5:11

    And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

  • 1 Kings 11:1

    ¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

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