Proverbs 31:3
Proverbs 31:3 in Multiple Translations
Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.
Don't waste your strength sleeping with women, those that bring down kings.
Giue not thy strength vnto women, nor thy wayes, which is to destroy Kings.
Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.
Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Give not thy substance to women, and thy riches to destroy kings.
Do not exhaust your energy having sex [EUP] with women to whom you are not married, with women who ruin kings by having sex with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 31:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּתֵּ֣ן
לַ/נָּשִׁ֣ים
חֵילֶ֑/ךָ
וּ֝/דְרָכֶ֗י/ךָ
לַֽ/מְח֥וֹת
מְלָכִֽין
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
לַ/נָּשִׁ֣ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fp
חֵילֶ֑/ךָ
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/דְרָכֶ֗י/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cp | Suff
לַֽ/מְח֥וֹת
mâchâh
H4229
to wipe
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מְלָכִֽין
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 31:3
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/נָּשִׁ֣ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֵילֶ֑/ךָ
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
וּ֝/דְרָכֶ֗י/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לַֽ/מְח֥וֹת
mâchâh
H4229
"to wipe"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to erase or wipe something away. In Psalm 51:1, David asks God to blot out his sins. It can also mean to reach out or touch something.
Definition: 1) to wipe, wipe out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wipe 1a2) to blot out, obliterate 1a3) to blot out, exterminate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be wiped out 1b2) to be blotted out 1b3) to be exterminated 1c) (Hiphil) to blot out (from memory)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: abolish, blot out, destroy, full of marrow, put out, reach unto, [idiom] utterly, wipe (away, out). See also: Genesis 6:7; Nehemiah 13:14; Psalms 9:6.
מְלָכִֽין
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:3
Context — The Sayings for King Lemuel
1These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:
2What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?
3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, 5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 17:17 | He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:26 | Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. |
| 3 | Proverbs 7:26–27 | For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
| 4 | Proverbs 5:9–11 | lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, |
| 5 | 1 Kings 11:1 | King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. |
| 6 | Hosea 4:11 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. |
Proverbs 31:3 Summary
Proverbs 31:3 is a warning to men to be careful about how they spend their time and energy, especially when it comes to relationships with women. It's not saying that all women are bad, but rather that we should be cautious and discerning in our relationships, just like we're warned in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 to flee from immorality. This verse is encouraging us to prioritize our spiritual growth and development, so that we can become people of integrity and wisdom, and to seek out relationships that are grounded in godly values, as described in Proverbs 31:10-31. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of ungodly influences and instead cultivate strong, healthy relationships that honor God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to spend your strength on women in Proverbs 31:3?
In this context, it means to waste your energy and resources on fleeting, ungodly relationships, as warned in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Who are those that ruin kings in Proverbs 31:3?
These are likely women who lead men astray through immoral behavior or ungodly influences, similar to the warning in Proverbs 2:16-19 about the dangers of the adulteress.
Is Proverbs 31:3 saying that all women are bad or that men should not marry?
No, this verse is not saying that all women are bad or that men should avoid marriage; rather, it's a warning to be cautious and discerning in relationships, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the virtuous woman.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Proverbs 31:3 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which provides wisdom on how to live a virtuous life, including the importance of self-control and wise relationships, as seen in Proverbs 31:4-5, which warns against the dangers of excessive drinking.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be spending my strength on ungodly relationships or pursuits, and how can I redirect my energy towards more fruitful endeavors?
- How can I cultivate self-control and discernment in my relationships, especially in a world that often promotes ungodly values?
- What are some characteristics of a virtuous woman, as described in Proverbs 31:10-31, and how can I support and appreciate the godly women in my life?
- In what ways can I prioritize my spiritual growth and development, so that I can become a person of integrity and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:3 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:3
Give not thy strength unto women,.... Strength of body, which is weakened by an excessive use of venery (b) with a multiplicity of women; see, Proverbs 5:9; and strength of mind, reason, and wisdom,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:3
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
Thy strength; the rigour of thy mind and body, which is greatly impaired by inordinate lusts, as all physicians agree, and frequent experience showeth. Thy ways; thy conversation or course of life. To that which destroyeth kings; the same thing repeated in other words, as is very usual in these books; to the immoderate love of women, which is most destructive to kings and kingdoms, as was well known to Solomon by the example of his father David, and by many other sad instances left upon record in all histories.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
Proverbs 31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.Ver. 3. Give not thy strength to women.] Waste not unworthily the fat and marrow of thy dear and precious time, the strength of thy body, the vigour of thy spirits, in sinful pleasures and sensual delights. See Proverbs 5:9. Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.] Venery is called by one death’ s best harbinger. It was the destruction of Alexander the Great, of Otho the emperor (called for his good parts otherwise Miraculum mundi), of Pope Sextus the Fourth ( qui decessit tabidus voluptate, saith the historian, died of a wicked waste), and of Pope Paul the Fourth, of whom it passed for a proverb, Eum per eandem partem animam profudisse per quam acceperat. The Lacedemonian commonwealth was by the hand of divine justice utterly overturned at Leuctra, for a rape committed by their messengers on the two daughters of Scedosus. And what befell the Benjamites on a like occasion is well known out of Jdg 20:29-48, that I speak not of the slaughter of the Shechemites, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
(3) Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.—A slight change in the punctuation will give a better sense, “to those that destroy kings,” i.e., women. Give not thy life to dissipation at their bidding. (Comp. Proverbs 6:24, sqq.; 1 Kings 11:1).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
Verse 3. Give not thy strength] Do not waste thy substance on women. In such intercourse the strength of body, soul and substance is destroyed. Such connections are those which destroy kings, מלכין melachin, the Chaldee termination instead of the Hebrew.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:3
3. that which] Or, with a slight change in the Heb., “them that”; thus preserving more exactly the parallelism with the first clause of the verse. Comp. Deuteronomy 17:17; 1 Kings 11:1-8.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:3
To that which destroyeth - The temptations of the harem were then, as now, the curse of all Eastern kingdoms.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:3
3. Give not thy strength — The first clause warns Lemuel against the excessive indulgence of the appetites, (Proverbs 31:3-4.) Youths of every class are in great danger from this cause; but
Sermons on Proverbs 31:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work |
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And David Took Him More Wives Out of Jerusalem. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the troubling decision of King David to take more wives in Jerusalem, contrasting this with the biblical law that cautions against such actions to prevent th |
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His Wives Turned Away His Heart. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer warns that every individual has a vulnerable point in their character, as exemplified by Solomon, whose heart was turned away from God by his foreign wives. Despite his |
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(Spiritual Dangers) Danger of Losing Your Passion for Christ by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God |
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(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of High Places by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God |
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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |
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(Spiritual Dangers) Danger in the Way of Cain by Don Currin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God |