Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:1

VII. THE WORDS KING LEMUEL’S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM (31:1-9)31:1 We have no way of knowing who King Lemuel was. His name means “dedicated to God” or “belonging to God.” The important thing is that he has preserved for us the wise counsel which his mother gave him. 31:2 We might fill in the thought here as follows: “What shall I say to you, and what gems of wisdom will I pass on to you, my son, whom I have dedicated to the Lord?” 31:3 First is a warning to avoid a life of dissipation and sensual lust. The Speaker’s Commentary points out that “the temptations of the harem were then, as now, the curse of all Eastern kingdoms.” 31:4-8 Second is a plea to refrain from the excessive use of wine and strong drink. The danger for kings is that their ability to judge and to make proper decisions might be impaired by drinking. They might forget the standards of justice demanded by the law and fail to uphold the rights of the downtrodden. The medicinal use of wine is sanctioned as a stimulant for the dying and an anti-depressant for the despondent. It is all right for people like these to drink, and to forget their need and their misery. 31:9 The king should be a responsible spokesman for all who cannot defend themselves, and plead the cause of all who are left to die. He should speak up on behalf of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:10

VIII. THE IDEAL WIFE AND MOTHER (31:10-31)The closing section of the book describes the ideal wife. It is written in the form of an acrostic, each verse beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in proper order. Knox’s translation attempts to reproduce this acrostic style in English, using twenty-two of our twenty-six letters. 31:10-12 A virtuous or fine wife is one who is capable, diligent, worthy, and good. Her worth cannot be measured in terms of costly jewels. Her husband can have full confidence in her, with no need to fear any lack of honest gain. Her finest efforts are put forth to help him; she never fails to cooperate. 31:13-15 She is always on the lookout for wool and flax, and enjoys converting them into cloth. On her shopping trips, she is like the merchant ships that return to port laden with produce from afar. See her going to the supermarket, loading her shopping cart with the best bargains. She also rises before daybreak to prepare food for her household. The portion she gives to her maidservants may include not only their breakfast but their work assignments for the day. 31:16-18 When she hears that some nearby field is for sale, she goes out to see it. It is just what she needs, so she buys it, then industriously plants a vineyard with money she has earned. She prepares herself for her tasks with great vigor and enthusiasm. She is not afraid of strenuous work. She takes a quiet, humble satisfaction in the results of her labor. After the others have gone to bed, she often works late into the night. 31:19-22 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle, that is, she busies herself spinning wool and flax into yarn and thread. In addition to all this, she finds time to help the needy. She unselfishly shares with those who are less fortunate. She does not dread the approach of winter because there is plenty of warm clothing in the closets. She makes tapestry for herself; her own clothing is fine linen and purple. 31:23 Her husband is a man of prominence in the community. He sits at the gates with the elders. He can devote himself to public affairs without worrying about conditions at home. 31:24-27 His wife weaves linen garments and sells them at the market. She also earns money by supplying sashes to the merchants. Clothed with industry and dignity, she faces the future with confidence. The instruction she gives to her family is a balance of wisdom and kindness. She keeps in close touch with the affairs of her household, and does not waste time or engage in shallow, unproductive activity. 31:28, 29 Her children realize that she is an outstanding mother, and they tell her so. Her husband also praises her as a God-given wife. He says, “There are many good wives in the world, but you excel them all.” 31:30, 31 The writer now adds his amen to what the husband has just said. It is true. A woman may have charm but no common sense. She may be beautiful but impractical. But a woman who fears the LORD, as described above, is the best kind. Let her be honored for her diligence and noble character. When the town fathers meet at the civic center, let them praise her outstanding accomplishments. It is noteworthy and fitting that Proverbs should end on this very positive note about women. Three women have been prominent in this book: the personification of Wisdom, seen as a woman inviting learners to her banquet, the immoral woman or seductress, and finally, the “woman (or wife) of valor,” as the literal translation reads in 31:10 (NKJV margin).