1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth 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 maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Overview of Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31 is often recognized for its portrayal of the ideal woman, commonly referred to as the “Proverbs 31 Woman.” This chapter serves as a conclusion to the Book of Proverbs, encapsulating wisdom and moral teachings. It is structured as an acrostic poem, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Key Themes
- Wisdom and Instruction: The chapter begins with advice from King Lemuel, who shares the teachings he received from his mother.
- The Virtuous Woman: A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to describing the characteristics and qualities of an ideal wife and mother.
- Value of Hard Work: The text emphasizes diligence, resourcefulness, and the importance of hard work in both family and community settings.
- Fear of the Lord: The final verses highlight that true beauty and worth are found in a woman’s reverence for God.
Analysis of Key Verses
- Verses 1-9: The Advice of King Lemuel’s Mother
These opening verses provide a mother’s counsel to her son, warning him against the dangers of excessive drinking and the pursuit of lust. She encourages him to focus on justice and righteousness, particularly in his role as a king.
- Verses 10-31: The Description of the Virtuous Woman
This section outlines the attributes of a noble wife, emphasizing her worth and capabilities. Key qualities include:
- Trustworthiness: Her husband has full confidence in her.
- Resourcefulness: She seeks wool and flax and works with eager hands.
- Business Acumen: She considers a field and buys it; with her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
- Compassion: She extends her hands to the needy and is proactive in caring for her household.
- Strength and Dignity: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she faces the future with confidence.
- Wisdom and Kindness: Her words are wise, and she speaks with kindness.
- Verse 30: The Essence of True Beauty
This verse encapsulates the core message of the chapter, stating that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. This highlights the importance of inner character over outward appearance.
- Verse 31: Recognition and Praise
The chapter concludes with a call to honor and recognize the virtuous woman for her contributions to her family and society. Her works are to be celebrated in the gates, symbolizing public acknowledgment and respect.
Implications for Modern Readers
Proverbs 31 offers timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. The qualities of the virtuous woman can inspire both men and women to strive for integrity, diligence, and compassion in their lives. It encourages a balanced view of gender roles, emphasizing that both men and women can embody wisdom and virtue.
Conclusion
In summary, Proverbs 31 serves as a powerful reminder of the values of wisdom, hard work, and reverence for God. It challenges readers to cultivate these qualities in their own lives while appreciating the contributions of those around them, particularly women who embody these virtues.
