Proverbs 31 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Proverbs 31

The Words of King Lemuel

31:1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2   What are you doing, my son?¹ What are you doing, son of my womb?
    What are you doing, son of my vows?
3   Do not give your strength to women,
    your ways to those who destroy kings.
4   It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    or for rulers to take strong drink,
5   lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6   Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress;²
7   let them drink and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.
8   Open your mouth for the mute,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.³
9   Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10   ⁴ An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
11   The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will 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 with willing hands.
14   She is like the ships of the merchant;
    she brings her food from afar.
15   She rises while it is yet night
    and provides food for her household
    and portions for her maidens.
16   She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17   She dresses herself⁵ with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
18   She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
19   She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
20   She opens her hand to the poor
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21   She is not afraid of snow for her household,
    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.⁶
22   She makes bed coverings for herself;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23   Her husband is known in the gates
    when he sits among the elders of the land.
24   She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25   Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
26   She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27   She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28   Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29   “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
30   Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31   Give her of the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the gates.

Footnotes

[1] 31:2 Hebrew What, my son?
[2] 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul
[3] 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away
[4] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
[5] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins
[6] 31:21 Or in double thickness

Commentary

v1: Words of Solomon's mother, Bathsheba; she was perhaps looking back to David's downfall, for which she shared responsibility.

v2-3: Multiplying wives will destroy a king; adultery damages us spiritually. Sadly, these words proved true in Solomon's life. Even David was affected, having committed adultery, before which he had had several wives.

v4-7: More warnings about drink, in particular the danger for leaders, for drink affects our judgment (Lev 10.9-11), and there is the risk of a bad influence upon others (Rom 15.1-3).

v8-9: We are to speak on behalf of those who can not, or will not, speak for themselves. For each one who insists on his own rights, many remain silent, and their rights are neglected by others. See Luke 4.18-21, where the Lord Jesus fulfilled this ministry; godly people care for the poor and oppressed.

v10: The noble and virtuous wife, far above rubies in value, see Ruth 3.11.

v11: She is trustworthy, which gives her husband confidence.

v12: She is faithful, consistently bringing good into her husband's life.

v13-14: She is diligent, making every effort to secure sufficient for those she cares for.

v15: She is prepared to sacrifice; through her the whole household is provided for.

v16-19: She is diligent, working hard to provide. She takes every opportunity to provide well, and uses integrity.

v20: She is generous to the poor.

v21: Through her diligence, the household can endure difficult times.

v22: Her household sleep in warmth and comfort.

v23: Her character is matched by her husband's. He is influential in the city; others recognise his integrity.

v24: She not only buys and sells, but she also sells what she makes. Here is wisdom for business.

v25: She has strength and dignity, confident in the future.

v26: Her lips speak wisdom, ensuring that others learn from her.

v27: She has oversight over her household, keeping her eye on developments.

v28: She is loved and respected at home.

v29: Her husband rightly respects her.

v30: Godly character; esteeming spiritual beauty above physical appearance.

v31: Her deserved reward.