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Proverbs 31

BSB·31 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1These are the words of Kingמֶ֑לֶךְme·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Lemuelלְמוּאֵ֣לlə·mū·’êl — God is my kingH3927 — Full Word Study →the burdenמַ֝שָּׂ֗אmaś·śā — burden; a load or weight; an oracle or utteranceH4853 — Full Word Study → thatאֲ‍ֽשֶׁר־’ăšer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → his motherאִמּֽוֹ׃’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study → taught himיִסְּרַ֥תּוּyis·sə·rat·tū — To discipline, correct, or instruct through rebuke or punishmentH3256 — Full Word Study →: 2What shall I say, O my sonבְּ֭רִיbə·rî — Son, male child, descendantH1248 — Full Word Study →? Whatוּמַֽה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study →, O sonבַּר־bar- — Son, male child, descendantH1248 — Full Word Study → of my wombבִּטְנִ֑יbiṭ·nî — belly; womb; interior of the bodyH990 — Full Word Study →? Whatוּ֝מֶהū·meh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study →, O sonבַּר־bar- — Son, male child, descendantH1248 — Full Word Study → of my vowsנְדָרָֽי׃nə·ḏā·rāy — A solemn promise or vow made to GodH5088 — Full Word Study →? 3Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → spendתִּתֵּ֣ןtit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → your strengthחֵילֶ֑ךָḥê·le·ḵā — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study → on womenלַנָּשִׁ֣יםlan·nā·šîm — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → or your vigorוּ֝דְרָכֶ֗יךָū·ḏə·rā·ḵe·ḵā — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study → on those who ruinלַֽמְח֥וֹתlam·ḥō·wṯ — To blot out, erase, or wipe awayH4229 — Full Word Study → kingsמְלָכִֽין׃mə·lā·ḵîn — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. 4It is notאַ֤ל’al — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → for kingsלַֽמְלָכִ֨ים׀lam·lā·ḵîm — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, O Lemuelלְֽמוֹאֵ֗לlə·mō·w·’êl — God is my kingH3927 — Full Word Study →, it is notאַ֣ל’al — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → for kingsלַֽמְלָכִ֣יםlam·lā·ḵîm — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → to drinkשְׁתוֹ־šə·ṯōw- — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study → wineיָ֑יִןyā·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study →, or for rulersוּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗יםū·lə·rō·wz·nîm — to rule, govern, exercise dominionH7336 — Full Word Study → to crave strong drinkשֵׁכָֽר׃šê·ḵār — Strong alcoholic drink, fermented beverages stronger than wineH7941 — Full Word Study →, 5lestפֶּן־pen- — lest, that not, for fear thatH6435 — Full Word Study → they drinkיִ֭שְׁתֶּהyiš·teh — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study → and forgetוְיִשְׁכַּ֣חwə·yiš·kaḥ — to forget, neglect, lose memory ofH7911 — Full Word Study → what is decreedמְחֻקָּ֑קmə·ḥuq·qāq — to decree, engrave, or establish by authorityH2710 — Full Word Study →, deprivingוִֽ֝ישַׁנֶּהwî·šan·neh — To repeat, change, or alter; to do againH8138 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the oppressedבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of justiceדִּ֣יןdîn — Judgment, legal case, dispute, or controversyH1779 — Full Word Study →. 6Giveתְּנוּ־tə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → strong drinkשֵׁכָ֣רšê·ḵār — Strong alcoholic drink, fermented beverages stronger than wineH7941 — Full Word Study → to one who is perishingלְאוֹבֵ֑דlə·’ō·w·ḇêḏ — To perish, be destroyed, or lostH6 — Full Word Study →, and wineוְ֝יַיִןwə·ya·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → to the bitterלְמָ֣רֵיlə·mā·rê — Bitter; marked by anguish or grievingH4751 — Full Word Study → in soulנָֽפֶשׁ׃nā·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study →. 7Let him drinkיִ֭שְׁתֶּהyiš·teh — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study → and forgetוְיִשְׁכַּ֣חwə·yiš·kaḥ — to forget, neglect, lose memory ofH7911 — Full Word Study → his povertyרִישׁ֑וֹrî·šōw — poverty, destitution, wantH7389 — Full Word Study →, and rememberיִזְכָּר־yiz·kār- — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → his miseryוַ֝עֲמָל֗וֹwa·‘ă·mā·lōw — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → noלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → moreעֽוֹד׃‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study →. 8Openפְּתַח־pə·ṯaḥ- — to open, loosen, or beginH6605 — Full Word Study → your mouthפִּ֥יךָpî·ḵā — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → for those with no voiceלְאִלֵּ֑םlə·’il·lêm — mute, unable to speakH483 — Full Word Study →, forאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the causeדִּ֝֗יןdîn — Judgment, legal case, dispute, or controversyH1779 — Full Word Study → of allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the dispossessedבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →. 9Openפְּתַח־pə·ṯaḥ- — to open, loosen, or beginH6605 — Full Word Study → your mouthפִּ֥יךָpî·ḵā — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study →, judgeשְׁפָט־šə·p̄āṭ- — to judge, govern, or execute justiceH8199 — Full Word Study → righteouslyצֶ֑דֶקṣe·ḏeq — Righteousness, justice, right standingH6664 — Full Word Study →, and defend the causeוְ֝דִ֗יןwə·ḏîn — to judge, govern, or execute judgmentH1777 — Full Word Study → of the poorעָנִ֥י‘ā·nî — Poor, afflicted, humbleH6041 — Full Word Study → and needyוְאֶבְיֽוֹן׃פwə·’eḇ·yō·wn — Poor person in dire needH34 — Full Word Study →. 10A wifeאֵֽשֶׁת־’ê·šeṯ- — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → of noble characterחַ֭יִלḥa·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study →, whoמִ֣יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → can findיִמְצָ֑אyim·ṣā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study →? She is farוְרָחֹ֖קwə·rā·ḥōq — distant, far away, remote in space or timeH7350 — Full Word Study → more preciousמִכְרָֽהּ׃miḵ·rāh — merchandise, goods, wares, price of saleH4377 — Full Word Study → than rubiesמִפְּנִינִ֣יםmip·pə·nî·nîm — precious jewel, ruby, or precious stoneH6443 — Full Word Study →. 11The heartלֵ֣בlêḇ — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → of her husbandבַּעְלָ֑הּba‘·lāh — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → trustsבָּ֣טַחbā·ṭaḥ — to trust, rely on, have confidenceH982 — Full Word Study → in her, and he lacksיֶחְסָֽר׃yeḥ·sār — to lack, be deficient, wantH2637 — Full Word Study → nothingלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → of valueוְ֝שָׁלָ֗לwə·šā·lāl — Plunder, spoils of war; prey taken in battleH7998 — Full Word Study →. 12She brings himגְּמָלַ֣תְהוּgə·mā·laṯ·hū — To deal bountifully; to ripen or mature; to repay or rewardH1580 — Full Word Study → goodט֣וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → and notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → harmרָ֑עrā‘ — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → allכֹּ֝֗לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the daysיְמֵ֣יyə·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of her lifeחַיֶּֽיה׃ḥay·yɛh — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →. 13She selectsדָּ֭רְשָׁהdā·rə·šāh — to seek, inquire, search diligentlyH1875 — Full Word Study → woolצֶ֣מֶרṣe·mer — wool; fleece from sheepH6785 — Full Word Study → and flaxוּפִשְׁתִּ֑יםū·p̄iš·tîm — Flax plant; linen fabric or garmentH6593 — Full Word Study → and worksוַ֝תַּ֗עַשׂwat·ta·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → with eagerבְּחֵ֣פֶץbə·ḥê·p̄eṣ — Pleasure, desire, delight, or purposeH2656 — Full Word Study → handsכַּפֶּֽיהָ׃kap·pe·hā — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study →. 14She isהָ֭יְתָהhā·yə·ṯāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → like the merchantסוֹחֵ֑רsō·w·ḥêr — to trade, traffic, or move about as a merchantH5503 — Full Word Study → shipsכָּאֳנִיּ֣וֹתkā·’o·nî·yō·wṯ — Ship or vesselH591 — Full Word Study →, bringingתָּבִ֥יאtā·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → her foodלַחְמָֽהּ׃laḥ·māh — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → from afarמִ֝מֶּרְחָ֗קmim·mer·ḥāq — Distance, remoteness, far placeH4801 — Full Word Study →. 15She risesוַתָּ֤קָם׀wat·tā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → while it is stillבְּע֬וֹדbə·‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → nightלַ֗יְלָהlay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → to provideוַתִּתֵּ֣ןwat·tit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → foodטֶ֣רֶףṭe·rep̄ — Prey; food torn apartH2964 — Full Word Study → for her householdלְבֵיתָ֑הּlə·ḇê·ṯāh — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and portionsוְ֝חֹ֗קwə·ḥōq — A statute or decree; an appointed rule or lawH2706 — Full Word Study → for her maidservantsלְנַעֲרֹתֶֽיהָ׃lə·na·‘ă·rō·ṯe·hā — young woman, maiden, girlH5291 — Full Word Study →. 16She appraisesזָמְמָ֣הzā·mə·māh — to plan, devise, or schemeH2161 — Full Word Study → a fieldשָׂ֭דֶהśā·d̲eh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → and buys itוַתִּקָּחֵ֑הוּwat·tiq·qā·ḥê·hū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study →; from her earningsמִפְּרִ֥יmip·pə·rî — Fruit; produce; offspring; rewardH6529 — Full Word Study → she plantsנְטַעnə·ṭaʿ — to plant, establish, or fix firmlyH5193 — Full Word Study → a vineyardכָּֽרֶם׃kā·rem — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study →. 17She girds herselfחָֽגְרָ֣הḥā·ḡə·rāh — to gird, encircle, or prepare oneselfH2296 — Full Word Study → with strengthבְע֣וֹזḇə·‘ō·wz — Strength, power, or mightH5797 — Full Word Study → and shows that her armsזְרֹעוֹתֶֽיהָ׃zə·rō·‘ō·w·ṯe·hā — arm; power, strength, mightH2220 — Full Word Study → are strongוַ֝תְּאַמֵּ֗ץwat·tə·’am·mêṣ — To strengthen, make firm, or be courageousH553 — Full Word Study →. 18She seesטָ֭עֲמָהṭā·‘ă·māh — to taste; to perceive or discernH2938 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → her gainסַחְרָ֑הּsaḥ·rāh — merchandise, trade goods, profit from commerceH5504 — Full Word Study → is good, and her lampנֵרָֽהּ׃nê·rāh — A lamp or light source; illuminationH5216 — Full Word Study → is notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → extinguishedיִכְבֶּ֖הyiḵ·beh — To extinguish or quench; to put outH3518 — Full Word Study → at nightבַלַּיִלḇal·la·yil — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study →. 19She stretchesשִׁלְּחָ֣הšil·lə·ḥāh — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → out her handsיָ֭דֶיהָyā·ḏe·hā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → to the distaffבַכִּישׁ֑וֹרḇak·kî·šō·wr — Distaff; spindle for spinning threadH3601 — Full Word Study → and graspsתָּ֣מְכוּtā·mə·ḵū — to grasp, hold, or sustainH8551 — Full Word Study → the spindleפָֽלֶךְ׃p̄ā·leḵ — district, portion, regionH6418 — Full Word Study → with her fingersוְ֝כַפֶּ֗יהָwə·ḵap·pe·hā — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study →. 20She opensפָּרְשָׂ֣הpā·rə·śāh — to spread, stretch out, or extendH6566 — Full Word Study → her armsכַּ֭פָּהּkap·pāh — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study → to the poorלֶעָנִ֑יle·‘ā·nî — Poor, afflicted, humbleH6041 — Full Word Study → and reaches outשִׁלְּחָ֥הšil·lə·ḥāh — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → her handsוְ֝יָדֶ֗יהָwə·yā·ḏe·hā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → to the needyלָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃lā·’eḇ·yō·wn — Poor person in dire needH34 — Full Word Study →. 21When it snowsמִשָּׁ֑לֶגmiš·šā·leḡ — snow; whiteness; purityH7950 — Full Word Study →, she has noלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → fearתִירָ֣אṯî·rā — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → for her householdלְבֵיתָ֣הּlə·ḇê·ṯāh — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they are all clothedלָבֻ֥שׁlā·ḇuš — To clothe, dress, or wear garmentsH3847 — Full Word Study → in scarletשָׁנִֽים׃šā·nîm — Scarlet or crimson red dye/threadH8144 — Full Word Study →. 22She makesעָֽשְׂתָה־‘ā·śə·ṯāh- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → coverings for her bedמַרְבַדִּ֥יםmar·ḇad·dîm — A woven covering or tapestryH4765 — Full Word Study →; her clothingלְבוּשָֽׁהּ׃lə·ḇū·šāh — Clothing, garment, or apparel worn on the bodyH3830 — Full Word Study → is fine linenשֵׁ֖שׁšêš — Fine white linen; bleached linen fabricH8336 — Full Word Study → and purpleוְאַרְגָּמָ֣ןwə·’ar·gā·mān — Purple dye or purple cloth; royal colorH713 — Full Word Study →. 23Her husbandבַּעְלָ֑הּba‘·lāh — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → is knownנוֹדָ֣עnō·w·ḏā‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → at the city gate, where he sitsבְּ֝שִׁבְתּ֗וֹbə·šiḇ·tōw — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → amongעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the eldersזִקְנֵי־ziq·nê- — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of the landאָֽרֶץ׃’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 24She makesעָ֭שְׂתָה‘ā·śə·ṯāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → linen garmentsסָדִ֣יןsā·ḏîn — Fine linen; a linen sheet or garmentH5466 — Full Word Study → and sells them; she deliversנָתְנָ֥הnā·ṯə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → sashesוַ֝חֲג֗וֹרwa·ḥă·ḡō·wr — belt, girdle, or garment worn around the waistH2290 — Full Word Study → to the merchantsלַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃lak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study →. 25Strengthעֹז־‘ōz- — Strength, power, or mightH5797 — Full Word Study → and honorוְהָדָ֥רwə·hā·ḏār — Glory, majesty, splendor, honorH1926 — Full Word Study → are her clothingלְבוּשָׁ֑הּlə·ḇū·šāh — Clothing, garment, or apparel worn on the bodyH3830 — Full Word Study →, and she can laughוַ֝תִּשְׂחַ֗קwat·tiś·ḥaq — to laugh, mock, or make sportH7832 — Full Word Study → at the daysלְי֣וֹםlə·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → to comeאַחֲרֽוֹן׃’a·ḥă·rō·wn — Last, final, or later in time or orderH314 — Full Word Study →. 26She opensפָּתְחָ֣הpā·ṯə·ḥāh — to open, loosen, or beginH6605 — Full Word Study → her mouthפִּ֭יהָpî·hā — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → with wisdomבְחָכְמָ֑הḇə·ḥā·ḵə·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study →, and faithfulחֶ֝֗סֶדḥe·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study → instructionוְתֽוֹרַת־wə·ṯō·w·raṯ- — instruction, teaching, law, guidanceH8451 — Full Word Study → is onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → her tongueלְשׁוֹנָֽהּ׃lə·šō·w·nāh — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study →. 27She watches overצ֭וֹפִיָּהṣō·w·p̄î·yāh — to watch, keep watch, observe carefullyH6822 — Full Word Study → the affairsהֲלִיכ֣וֹתhă·lî·ḵō·wṯ — A walk, journey, or manner of conductH1979 — Full Word Study → of her householdבֵּיתָ֑הּbê·ṯāh — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and does notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → eatתֹאכֵֽל׃ṯō·ḵêl — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → the breadוְלֶ֥חֶםwə·le·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → of idlenessעַ֝צְל֗וּת‘aṣ·lūṯ — Laziness, slothfulness, habitual idlenessH6104 — Full Word Study →. 28Her childrenבָ֭נֶיהָḇā·ne·hā — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → rise upקָ֣מוּqā·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and call her blessedוַֽיְאַשְּׁר֑וּהָway·’aš·šə·rū·hā — to bless, to make happy or prosperousH833 — Full Word Study →; her husbandבַּ֝עְלָ֗הּba‘·lāh — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → praises her as wellוַֽיְהַֽלְלָהּ׃way·ha·lə·lå̄h — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study →: 29Manyרַבּ֣וֹתrab·bō·wṯ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → daughtersבָּ֭נוֹתbā·nō·wṯ — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → have doneעָ֣שׂוּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → noble thingsחָ֑יִלḥā·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study →, but youוְ֝אַ֗תְּwə·’at — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → surpassעָלִ֥ית‘ā·lîṯ — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → themעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → allכֻּלָּֽנָה׃kul·lā·nāh — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →!” 30Charmהַ֭חֵןha·ḥên — Favor, grace, or kindness shown to someoneH2580 — Full Word Study → is deceptiveשֶׁ֣קֶרše·qer — Deception, falsehood, lieH8267 — Full Word Study → and beautyהַיֹּ֑פִיhay·yō·p̄î — Beauty, comeliness, or splendorH3308 — Full Word Study → is fleetingוְהֶ֣בֶלwə·he·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →, but a womanאִשָּׁ֥ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → who fearsיִרְאַת־yir·’aṯ- — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְ֝הוָ֗הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → is to be praisedתִתְהַלָּֽל׃ṯiṯ·hal·lāl — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study →. 31Giveתְּנוּ־tə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → her the fruitמִפְּרִ֣יmip·pə·rî — Fruit; produce; offspring; rewardH6529 — Full Word Study → of her handsיָדֶ֑יהָyā·ḏe·hā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, and let her worksמַעֲשֶֽׂיהָ׃ma·‘ă·śe·hā — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study → praise herוִֽיהַלְל֖וּהָwî·hal·lū·hā — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study → at the gatesבַשְּׁעָרִ֣יםḇaš·šə·‘ā·rîm — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Proverbs 31
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Proverbs 31 concludes the book of Proverbs with two closely related teachings: first, counsel from a godly mother to her son, King Lemuel, about the dangers of excess and the leader's duty to defend the vulnerable (verses 1–9); and second, an acrostic poem celebrating the virtuous woman whose worth far exceeds material wealth (verses 10–31). Together, these passages present a vision of godly character—both in those who lead and those who build faithful homes—grounded not in external beauty or power, but in reverence for the Lord and diligent service to others.

Verses 1–5: A Mother's Warning to Her Son

King Lemuel's mother addresses him with tender urgency: "What, my son?" This triple repetition reflects a mother's loving concern for her child's spiritual welfare. Her warning is direct: do not surrender your strength to women or your ways to destructive pursuits (verse 3). This does not denigrate women, but warns against allowing romantic entanglement to compromise leadership and godly judgment. For kings especially, verse 4 forbids both wine and strong drink—not because alcohol is inherently sinful, but because leaders must maintain clear minds to judge fairly and uphold God's law (verse 5). A leader weakened by intoxication forgets his sacred duty to protect the afflicted and administer justice.

Application: Leaders—whether in church, family, or workplace—must guard their hearts and minds fiercely against any influence that would cloud their judgment or distract them from their calling to serve others faithfully.

Verses 6–9: Justice and Mercy for the Vulnerable

Having warned against personal excess, Lemuel's mother redirects his compassion. Strong drink is appropriate for "him that is ready to perish" and "those of heavy hearts" (verses 6–7), not as escape, but as temporary relief during extreme suffering. The true measure of a king's character, however, appears in verses 8–9: he must "open his mouth" for those who cannot speak for themselves—the defenseless, the poor, and the needy. He must judge righteously and plead their cause. This is the heart of biblical justice: advocacy for the vulnerable, not merely punishment of the wicked.

Application: Every believer shares this responsibility. We are called to be voices for the voiceless and defenders of those society overlooks or oppresses.

Verses 10–24: The Virtuous Woman—Her Character and Industry

The acrostic poem shifts focus to a woman of exceptional character. She is "virtuous" (verse 10)—the Hebrew word chayil means strength and capability, far exceeding rubies in value. Her worth rests not on appearance but on faithful, industrious character. Her husband trusts her completely (verse 11); she brings him good throughout her life (verse 12). She works diligently with her hands—seeking materials, working skillfully, even conducting business (verses 13–16, 24). She rises early, cares for her household, and manages resources wisely (verses 15, 21–22). Her strength and energy are evident in her productivity (verses 17–19), yet her hands remain open to the poor (verse 20). Her reputation elevates her husband's standing (verse 23).

Application: This passage celebrates the dignity of work, hospitality, and stewardship. Women of all seasons—whether building careers, raising families, or both—can find their identity in faithful service and godly character rather than in comparison or status-seeking.

Verses 25–31: Worth Beyond Measure

The poem concludes with her legacy. She is clothed in "strength and honour" (verse 25), speaks with wisdom and kindness (verse 26), and avoids idleness (verse 27). Her children rise to call her blessed, and her husband praises her (verse 28). Crucially, verse 30 cuts through cultural lies: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Fear of the Lord—reverent obedience to God—is the foundation of true honor. Finally, verse 31 calls us to celebrate her labors publicly; let her works praise her.

Application: In a world obsessed with appearance and status, this chapter anchors our worth in godly character and faithful labor. True beauty and lasting praise flow from a heart devoted to the Lord.

Application for Today

Proverbs 31 invites all of us—men and women, leaders and servants—to measure success by kingdom standards: spiritual clarity, sacrificial service, diligent work, and fear of the Lord. Whether you are called to lead others, build a home, or serve your community, your greatest strength lies not in power or appearance, but in humble devotion to God and faithful love toward others.

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