Proverbs 31
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1The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him. 2“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! 3Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ 5lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul: 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.” 10Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. 12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands. 14She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. 15She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls. 16She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. 18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. 19She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.” 30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!
World English Bible (public domain)
Listen to this chapter summary · ~1 min
“"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."”
Proverbs 31:30
Summary
Proverbs 31 begins with the sayings of King Lemuel, which are lessons his mother taught him. The initial focus is on the importance of wisdom, justice, and sobriety, especially for those in leadership. The text emphasizes that leaders should be sober, protect the rights of the oppressed, and judge fairly, setting a standard for integrity and moral responsibility. The second section of the chapter is dedicated to describing the attributes of a virtuous woman. This woman is depicted as industrious, wise, and compassionate. She is trusted by her husband and contributes significantly to the prosperity and well-being of her household. Her works and wisdom reflect her reverence for the Lord. This chapter emphasizes themes of righteousness and leadership in personal life through virtues and actions that honor God.
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Chapter outline
How Proverbs 31 unfolds
Proverbs 31:1–3 A Mother's Wisdom for Kings
King Lemuel receives teachings from his mother, emphasizing the importance of restraint and moral integrity for those in leadership. She warns him against the dangers of indulgence and encourages him to uphold justice.
Proverbs 31:4–9 Sobriety and Justice for Leaders
Lemuel's mother advises that kings should avoid alcohol to maintain clear judgment and protect the rights of the oppressed. She stresses the duty of leaders to speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Proverbs 31:10–31 The Virtuous Woman Defined
The chapter shifts to describe an ideal woman whose worth exceeds material riches. Her qualities of industriousness, wisdom, and compassion make her a pillar of strength in her family and community.
Key verses
Proverbs 31:30The key verse emphasizes that true value lies in a woman’s reverence for God, framing the chapter's overarching message.
Main themes in Proverbs 31
wisdom
Wisdom is a central theme in Proverbs 31, particularly evident in verses 26 and 30. The virtuous woman is depicted as having wisdom that influences her words and guides her decisions, suggesting that her insight is a vital quality. This emphasis reinforces the idea that true worth is found in one's character and relationship with God, highlighting that wisdom is an essential aspect of living a life that honors Him.
Explore wisdom in the Bible →righteous leadership
Righteous leadership is highlighted in verses 4-9 as Lemuel's mother instructs him on the vital responsibilities of kingship. She emphasizes the importance of sobriety, justice, and defending the rights of the marginalized, which are essential traits for any leader. This theme enriches the chapter's moral framework, illustrating how ethical leadership is foundational to a just society and is crucial for the well-being of its people.
virtue
Virtue is exemplified in the portrayal of the capable woman throughout verses 10-31, where her character is described in detail. She embodies strength, diligence, and kindness, which are integral to her identity and how she interacts with others. This emphasis on virtue serves to elevate character above external beauty, illustrating its lasting importance and the idea that true beauty is reflected in one’s actions and moral integrity.
fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a crucial theme in verse 30, where the virtuous woman's reverence for God is highlighted and praised. This connection suggests that true virtue arises from a deep respect for God, which shapes her actions and decisions throughout her life. It underscores the spiritual foundation for a life of integrity, indicating that reverence for God is essential for cultivating genuine character and moral uprightness.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Proverbs 31
- 1 Peter 3Both passages highlight the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearance.
- Proverbs 18This connects to the idea of finding a worthy partner and the value of character in relationships.
- Proverbs 12Echoes the theme of virtuous behavior, emphasizing the significance of righteousness in one's character.
- Proverbs 19Connects through its teachings on the importance of integrity and wisdom in daily life.
- Proverbs 1Develops the idea of wisdom as foundational, as it encourages respect for God in all actions.
- Ruth 3Both passages portray strong women whose actions reflect loyalty, virtue, and diligent care for their families.
Study questions
Questions for studying Proverbs 31
- What specific advice does Lemuel's mother give about alcohol consumption?
- How does the virtuous woman's industriousness contribute to her family's well-being?
- In what ways does the description of the virtuous woman challenge societal norms?
- What does the chapter suggest about the relationship between a husband and wife?
- How does the chapter connect the fears of the Lord with a woman's worth?
Proverbs 31: frequently asked questions
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