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.
1 The words H1697 of king H4428 Lemuel, H3927 the prophecy H4853 that his mother H517 taught H3256 him.
2 What, my son? H1248 and what, the son H1248 of my womb? H990 and what, the son H1248 of my vows? H5088
3 Give H5414 not thy strength H2428 unto women, H802 nor thy ways H1870 to that which destroyeth H4229 kings. H4428
4 It is not for kings, H4428 O Lemuel, H3927 it is not for kings H4428 to drink H8354 wine; H3196 nor for H335 H176 princes H7336 strong drink: H7941
5 Lest they drink, H8354 and forget H7911 the law, H2710 and pervert H8138 the judgment H1779 of any of the afflicted. H1121 H6040
6 Give H5414 strong drink H7941 unto him that is ready to perish, H6 and wine H3196 unto those that be of heavy H4751 hearts. H5315
7 Let him drink, H8354 and forget H7911 his poverty, H7389 and remember H2142 his misery H5999 no more.
8 Open H6605 thy mouth H6310 for the dumb H483 in the cause H1779 of all such as are appointed H1121 to destruction. H2475
9 Open H6605 thy mouth, H6310 judge H8199 righteously, H6664 and plead H1777 the cause of the poor H6041 and needy. H34
10 Who can find H4672 a virtuous H2428 woman? H802 for her price H4377 is far H7350 above rubies. H6443
11 The heart H3820 of her husband H1167 doth safely trust H982 in her, so that he shall have no need H2637 of spoil. H7998
12 She will do H1580 him good H2896 and not evil H7451 all the days H3117 of her life. H2416
13 She seeketh H1875 wool, H6785 and flax, H6593 and worketh H6213 willingly H2656 with her hands. H3709
14 She is like the merchants' H5503 ships; H591 she bringeth H935 her food H3899 from afar. H4801
15 She riseth H6965 also while it is yet night, H3915 and giveth H5414 meat H2964 to her household, H1004 and a portion H2706 to her maidens. H5291
16 She considereth H2161 a field, H7704 and buyeth H3947 it: with the fruit H6529 of her hands H3709 she planteth H5193 a vineyard. H3754
17 She girdeth H2296 her loins H4975 with strength, H5797 and strengtheneth H553 her arms. H2220
18 She perceiveth H2938 that her merchandise H5504 is good: H2896 her candle H5216 goeth not out H3518 by night. H3915
19 She layeth H7971 her hands H3027 to the spindle, H3601 and her hands H3709 hold H8551 the distaff. H6418
20 She stretcheth out H6566 her hand H3709 to the poor; H6041 yea, she reacheth forth H7971 her hands H3027 to the needy. H34
21 She is not afraid H3372 of the snow H7950 for her household: H1004 for all her household H1004 are clothed H3847 with scarlet. H8144
22 She maketh H6213 herself coverings of tapestry; H4765 her clothing H3830 is silk H8336 and purple. H713
23 Her husband H1167 is known H3045 in the gates, H8179 when he sitteth H3427 among the elders H2205 of the land. H776
24 She maketh H6213 fine linen, H5466 and selleth H4376 it; and delivereth H5414 girdles H2289 unto the merchant. H3669
25 Strength H5797 and honour H1926 are her clothing; H3830 and she shall rejoice H7832 in time H3117 to come. H314
26 She openeth H6605 her mouth H6310 with wisdom; H2451 and in her tongue H3956 is the law H8451 of kindness. H2617
27 She looketh well H6822 to the ways H1979 H1979 of her household, H1004 and eateth H398 not the bread H3899 of idleness. H6104
28 Her children H1121 arise up, H6965 and call her blessed; H833 her husband H1167 also, and he praiseth H1984 her.
29 Many H7227 daughters H1323 have done H6213 virtuously, H2428 but thou excellest H5927 them all.
30 Favour H2580 is deceitful, H8267 and beauty H3308 is vain: H1892 but a woman H802 that feareth H3373 the LORD, H3068 she shall be praised. H1984
31 Give H5414 her of the fruit H6529 of her hands; H3027 and let her own works H4639 praise H1984 her in the gates. H8179
1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O 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 `to say', Where is strong drink?
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice `due' to any that is afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
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 left desolate.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.
12 She doeth 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 merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task 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 maketh strong her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
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 for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband `also', and he praiseth her, `saying':
29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; `But' a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.
1 Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:
2 `What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3 Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.
4 Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.
5 Lest he drink, and forget the decree, And change the judgment of any of the sons of affliction.
6 Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,
7 He drinketh, and forgetteth his poverty, And his misery he remembereth not again.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, For the right of all sons of change.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, Both the cause of the poor and needy!'
10 A woman of worth who doth find? Yea, far above rubies `is' her price.
11 The heart of her husband hath trusted in her, And spoil he lacketh not.
12 She hath done him good, and not evil, All days of her life.
13 She hath sought wool and flax, And with delight she worketh `with' her hands.
14 She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.
15 Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.
16 She hath considered a field, and taketh it, From the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.
17 She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.
18 She hath perceived when her merchandise `is' good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
19 Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.
20 Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed `with' scarlet.
22 Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple `are' her clothing.
23 Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.
24 Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.
25 Strength and honour `are' her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.
26 Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness `is' on her tongue.
27 She `is' watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.
28 Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy, Her husband, and he praiseth her,
29 `Many `are' the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'
30 The grace `is' false, and the beauty `is' vain, A woman fearing Jehovah, she may boast herself.
31 Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands, And her works do praise her in the gates!
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him:
2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? and what, O son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to them that destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers [to say], Where is the strong drink?
5 -- lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the children of affliction.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul:
7 let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all those that are left desolate.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister justice to the afflicted and needy.
10 Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband confideth in her, and he shall have no lack of spoil.
12 She doeth 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 And she riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and the day's work to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and acquireth it; of the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night.
19 She putteth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the afflicted, and 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 coverlets; her clothing is byssus and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh body linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laugheth [at] the coming day.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She surveyeth the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her:
29 Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excellest them all.
30 Gracefulness is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman [that] feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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 law, 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."
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 girds her loins 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 Yahweh, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!
1 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa: the teaching which he had from his mother.
2 What am I to say to you, O Lemuel, my oldest son? and what, O son of my body? and what, O son of my oaths?
3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?
5 For fear that through drinking they may come to have no respect for the law, wrongly judging the cause of those who are in trouble.
6 Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:
7 Let him have drink, and his need will go from his mind, and the memory of his trouble will be gone.
8 Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.
9 Let your mouth be open, judging rightly, and give right decisions in the cause of the poor and those in need.
10 Who may make discovery of a woman of virtue? For her price is much higher than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband has faith in her, and he will have profit in full measure.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She gets wool and linen, working at the business of her hands.
14 She is like the trading-ships, getting food from far away.
15 She gets up while it is still night, and gives meat to her family, and their food to her servant-girls.
16 After looking at a field with care, she gets it for a price, planting a vine-garden with the profit of her work.
17 She puts a band of strength round her, and makes her arms strong.
18 She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night.
19 She puts her hands to the cloth-working rod, and her fingers take the wheel.
20 Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.
21 She has no fear of the snow for her family, for all those in her house are clothed in red.
22 She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple.
23 Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.
24 She makes linen robes and gets a price for them, and traders take her cloth bands for a price.
25 Strength and self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile.
26 Her mouth is open to give out wisdom, and the law of mercy is on her tongue.
27 She gives attention to the ways of her family, she does not take her food without working for it.
28 Her children get up and give her honour, and her husband gives her praise, saying,
29 Unnumbered women have done well, but you are better than all of them.
30 Fair looks are a deceit, and a beautiful form is of no value; but a woman who has the fear of the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her credit for what her hands have made: let her be praised by her works in the public place.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 31
Commentary on Proverbs 31 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 31
Pr 31:1-31.
1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see Introduction.
prophecy—(See on Pr 30:1).
2. What, my son?—that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb—as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows—as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength—mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways—or course of life.
to that … kings—literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare Pr 5:9; 7:22, 27; Ho 4:11).
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Pr 20:1; 22:29).
pervert … afflicted—They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (compare Ps 104:15).
8, 9. Open … cause—Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (compare Ps 72:12; Isa 1:17).
appointed to destruction—who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (compare Pr 29:14, 16).
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
Who … woman—The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14).
virtuous—literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare Pr 12:4; Ru 3:11).
her price, &c.—(compare Pr 3:15).
11. heart … trust in her—He relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil—does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war.
12. do … good—contribute good to him.
13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.
15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;
16. and hence has means to purchase property.
17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare Pr 24:20) is not short lived.
19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.
20. Industry enables her to be charitable.
21. scarlet—or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.
22. coverings of tapestry—or, "coverlets," that is, for beds.
silk—or, "linen" (compare Ex 26:1; 27:9)
and purple—that is, the most costly goods.
23. in the gates—(compare Pr 22:22). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.
24. fine linen—or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.
girdles—were often costly and highly valued (2Sa 18:11).
delivereth—or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."
25. Strength and honour—Strong and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice … come—in confidence of certain maintenance.
26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.
27. (Compare 1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:5). She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control.
28. She is honored by those who best know her.
29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare Pr 31:10).
30. Favour—or, "Grace" of personal manner.
beauty—of face, or form (compare Pr 11:22). True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection (1Pe 3:3).
31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.