Proverbs 31
31
The Words of Lemuel
1The words of #31:1 The identity of King Lemuel is uncertain; however, ancient Jewish tradition connects Lemuel with Solomon.King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:
2¶What, O my #31:2 This chapter consists of two poetic sections. The first (vv 2-9) details the qualities needed to be a wise ruler, and the second (vv 10-31) the qualities describing an excellent wife.son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?
3Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor #31:3 See note Gen 22:24.concubines],
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink, [Eccl 10:17; Hos 4:11]
5Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees,
And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.
6Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away,
And wine to him whose life is bitter.
7Let him drink and forget his poverty
And no longer remember his trouble.
8Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless; [1 Sam 19:4; Esth 4:16; Job 29:15, 16]
9Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And administer justice for the afflicted and needy. [Lev 19:15; Deut 1:16; Job 29:12; Is 1:17; Jer 22:16]
Description of a Worthy Woman
10¶#31:10 The following verses are written as an acrostic poem (each of the twenty-two verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet). Aside from the artistry, the acrostic structure also aided memorization.An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?
Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov 12:4; 18:22; 19:14]
11The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with willing hands in delight.
14She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];
She brings her [household’s] food from far away.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And assigns tasks to her maids. [Job 23:12]
16She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently];
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]
And makes her arms strong.
18She sees that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].
19She stretches out her hands to the #31:19 I.e. the staff that holds the textile fibers for spinning.distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
20She opens and extends her hand to the poor,
And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
21She does not fear the snow for her household,
For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]. [Josh 2:18, 19; Heb 9:19-22]
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]. [Is 61:10; 1 Tim 2:9; Rev 3:5; 19:8, 14]
23Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land. [Prov 12:4]
24She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them;
And supplies sashes to the merchants.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
26She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness. [1 Tim 5:14; Titus 2:5]
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
29“Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],
# 31:29 The source of this remarkable woman’s success and competence is revealed in v 30, and it is a source available to everyone. She is wise because she understands and puts into practice the message contained in 9:10. But you excel them all.”
30Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
31Give her of the product of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]. [Phil 4:8]
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