Proverbs 31: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Proverbs 31 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

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.

Key verse

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 (WEB)

Outline

Proverbs 31:1–3 A Mother's Wisdom for Kings
Proverbs 31:4–9 Sobriety and Justice for Leaders
Proverbs 31:10–31 The Virtuous Woman Defined

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Lemuel's mother advise him not to give his strength to?
In v10, what is asked about a 'worthy woman'?
Verses 8-9: what does it mean to 'open your mouth for the mute'?
In v30, why does the text say 'charm is deceitful'?
When have you acted as a 'worthy woman,' as described in this chapter?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Proverbs 31: 1 Peter 3, Proverbs 18, Proverbs 12.

Before next time: read Ecclesiastes 1.