Proverbs Chapter 31

Commentary

The Words of King Lemuel

1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtues of Noble Woman

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Sayings for King Lemuel

1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

2 “Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

3 Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’

5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

The Virtues of a Noble Woman

10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

15 She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

17 She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.

19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!

The Sayings for King Lemuel
1 These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:
2 What shall I say, a O my son?
What, O son of my womb?
What, O son of my vows?
3 Do not spend your strength on women
or your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to crave strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed,
depriving all the oppressed of justice.
6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
and wine to the bitter in soul.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,
and remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for those with no voice,
for the cause of all the dispossessed.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
10 A wife b of noble character, who can find?
She is far more precious than rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good and not harm
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is still night
to provide food for her household
and portions for her maidservants.
16 She appraises a field and buys it;
from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself c with strength
and shows that her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her gain is good,
and her lamp is not extinguished at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household,
for they are all clothed in scarlet. d
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gate,
where he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband praises her as well:
29 “Many daughters have done noble things,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her at the gates.

Footnotes:

2 a Or What  or What are you doing
10 b Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
17 c Hebrew She girds her loins
21 d Or doubly clothed

The Words of King Lemuel

1Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:

2'What, my son? and what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?

3Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.

4Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.

5Lest he drink, and forget the decree, And change the judgment of any of the sons of affliction.

6Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,

7He drinketh, and forgetteth his poverty, And his misery he remembereth not again.

8Open thy mouth for the dumb, For the right of all sons of change.

9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, Both the cause of the poor and needy!'

The Virtues of Noble Woman

10A woman of worth who doth find? Yea, far above rubies is her price.

11The heart of her husband hath trusted in her, And spoil he lacketh not.

12She hath done him good, and not evil, All days of her life.

13She hath sought wool and flax, And with delight she worketh with her hands.

14She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.

15Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.

16She hath considered a field, and taketh it, From the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.

17She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.

18She hath perceived when her merchandise is good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.

19Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.

20Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.

21She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple are her clothing.

23Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.

24Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.

26Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

27She is watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.

28Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy, Her husband, and he praiseth her,

29Many are the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'

30The grace is false, and the beauty is vain, A woman fearing Jehovah, she may boast herself.

31Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands, And her works do praise her in the gates!

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Proverbs 31?

1.1Introduction to Proverbs 31

1.2Context of Proverbs 31

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Proverbs 31 Unique Insights

1.6Proverbs 31 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Proverbs 31 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Proverbs 31 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Proverbs 31?

Introduction to Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 stands as one of the most celebrated chapters in wisdom literature, presenting two distinct but complementary sections: the wisdom of King Lemuel (verses 1-9) and the famous acrostic poem of the Woman of Valor (verses 10-31). This chapter serves as a powerful conclusion to the book of Proverbs, synthesizing practical wisdom with profound spiritual truth. The first section delivers royal wisdom concerning leadership and justice, while the second section paints an inspiring portrait of feminine wisdom and capability that has captivated readers for millennia.

Context of Proverbs 31

Within the book of Proverbs, chapter 31 serves as the grand finale, bringing together themes that have been woven throughout the entire book. The placement is significant, as it moves from the personal counsel of a mother to her son (verses 1-9) to a celebration of wisdom embodied in the feminine form (verses 10-31). This arrangement creates a beautiful symmetry with Proverbs 1, where wisdom is also personified as a woman calling out in the streets.

In the broader context of Scripture, Proverbs 31 stands at a crucial junction between wisdom literature and prophetic writings. Its emphasis on practical righteousness, social justice, and the fear of the Lord echoes themes found in Psalms and anticipates the prophets’ calls for genuine piety expressed through ethical living. The chapter’s focus on caring for the poor and needy aligns with the Torah’s commands about social responsibility (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and foreshadows the Messiah’s teaching about true religion (Matthew 25:35-40).

Ancient Key Word Study

חַיִל (chayil) – “Valor/Worth” (v.10): This military term, typically used for mighty warriors, is deliberately applied to the woman, suggesting strength, capability, and moral courage. Its usage implies that managing a household requires the same strategic thinking and courage as leading an army.
יָרֵא (yare) – “Fears” (v.30): The word denotes not mere fright but reverent awe and submission to יהוה. This fear is the foundation of all wisdom and represents a woman’s primary beauty.
דָּרַשׁ (darash) – “Seeks” (v.13): Implies diligent investigation and pursuit, showing the woman’s intentional and strategic approach to her responsibilities.
צָפָה (tsafah) – “Watches” (v.27): This verb suggests careful oversight and vigilance, the same word used for prophetic watching in Ezekiel 3:17.
שָׂחַק (sachaq) – “Laughs” (v.25): Indicates confidence and joy rather than mere amusement, showing spiritual strength in facing the future.
פָּרַשׂ (paras) – “Extends” (v.20): Literally means to break or spread out, suggesting generous and deliberate action toward the needy.
שָׁלַל (shalal) – “Gain/Spoil” (v.11): A military term for plunder, reimagined here as the fruits of honest labor and wise management.
רָדִין (radin) – “Spins” (v.19): Technical term for skilled textile work, representing both practical skill and artistic creativity.
תְּהִלָּה (tehillah) – “Praise” (v.31): The same word used in Psalms for praising God, suggesting that recognizing feminine excellence is a form of worship.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 10’s “Who can find?” (מִי יִמְצָא) echoes Genesis 2:20, where no suitable helper was found for Adam. The rhetorical question emphasizes rarity and value, contrasting with mere physical beauty emphasized in secular culture.
Verse 15’s “while it is yet night” (בְּעוֹד לַיְלָה) could have been phrased as “early in the morning” but specifically mentions night to emphasize extraordinary diligence and self-sacrifice.
Verse 20’s “extends her hand” (כַפָּהּ פָּרְשָׂה) uses imagery of breaking bread rather than simply giving, suggesting personal involvement rather than detached charity.
Verse 23’s placement of the husband’s recognition in the city gates is strategic, showing how private virtue impacts public standing.
The use of שָׂחַק (laughs) in verse 25 rather than גִּיל (rejoices) suggests confidence rather than mere happiness.
Verse 26’s “Torah of kindness” (תּוֹרַת־חֶסֶד) combines law and grace, showing wisdom’s perfect balance.
The final praise in verse 31 uses the marketplace (שְׁעָרִים) rather than the home, showing the public recognition of private virtue.

Proverbs 31 Unique Insights

The acrostic structure of verses 10-31 is not merely poetic decoration but carries deep significance. Each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet suggests completeness and divine order. This structure implies that the Woman of Valor embodies the fullness of wisdom, just as the alphabet contains all the elements needed for communication.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The Midrash Mishle notes that this chapter was traditionally recited at Sarah’s funeral, suggesting that she embodied these qualities. This connection is strengthened by Abraham’s eulogy of Sarah using similar terms of praise. The rabbis also saw in this chapter a prophetic allegory of the relationship between God and Israel, with the virtuous woman representing the faithful remnant of Israel preparing for the Messiah.

Early messianic commentaries noted that the chapter’s emphasis on “rising while it is yet night” (verse 15) parallels the anticipation of the Messiah’s coming, as expressed in Song of Solomon 3:1. The woman’s preparation and watchfulness mirror the wise virgins in Yeshua’s parable (Matthew 25:1-13).

The description of her hands working with wool and flax (verse 13) recalls the materials used in the Tabernacle, suggesting that ordinary domestic work can be elevated to sacred service. This concept finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant’s teaching that all of life can be worship (Colossians 3:23).

Proverbs 31 Connections to Yeshua

The Woman of Valor’s character traits profoundly reflect the qualities of the Messiah’s bride, the Church. Her industry, wisdom, and care for others mirror the early believing community described in Acts 2:42-47. The emphasis on her fear of the Lord (verse 30) points to Yeshua’s teaching that true beauty is internal, spiritual character rather than external appearance (1 Peter 3:3-4).

The chapter’s focus on preparation and watchfulness parallels Yeshua’s parables about readiness for His return. Just as the Woman of Valor prepares food for her household and plans for the future, believers are called to be spiritually prepared and engaged in kingdom work while awaiting the Messiah’s return (Luke 12:35-40).

Proverbs 31 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages. The woman’s care for the poor echoes Ruth’s character and anticipates Dorcas’ ministry in the early church. Her wisdom in speech recalls the description of wisdom personified in Proverbs 8.

The theme of valuable worth “far above rubies” (verse 10) connects to wisdom’s value in Job 28 and Proverbs 3:15. The emphasis on fearing the Lord links to Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7, establishing wisdom’s foundation.

Proverbs 31 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our priorities and character. The Woman of Valor’s example shows that true success is measured not by worldly standards but by faithfulness to God’s calling. Her life demonstrates that ordinary daily tasks can become acts of worship when done with excellence and love.

Consider how you can better serve your family and community with the skills and resources God has given you. The chapter encourages us to develop both practical competence and spiritual depth. How can you better balance these aspects in your life?

Reflect on the emphasis on character over appearance. In a world obsessed with external beauty, how can you cultivate the lasting beauty of godly character? Remember that fear of the Lord is the foundation of all wisdom and true attractiveness.

Did You Know

The phrase “Woman of Valor” (אשת חיל) is traditionally sung in Jewish homes every Shabbat evening to honor wives and mothers.
The acrostic pattern of verses 10-31 contains 22 verses, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, suggesting completeness and perfection.
The description of the woman’s business activities (verses 16-18, 24) shows that in ancient Israel, women could engage in significant commercial enterprises.
The purple mentioned in verse 22 was one of the most expensive dyes in the ancient world, indicating the woman’s business acumen and success.
The chapter mentions both wool and flax (verse 13), representing the full range of textile production from animal and plant sources.
The woman’s husband sitting at the city gates (verse 23) indicates he was a judge or elder, showing how her excellent management freed him for public service.
The emphasis on speaking with wisdom (verse 26) uses the phrase “Torah of kindness,” suggesting she was learned in Scripture and able to teach others.
The description of her arms (verse 17) uses military terminology, challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
The chapter contains no physical description of the woman, emphasizing character over appearance.
The morning routine described (verse 15) would typically begin around 3-4 AM in ancient times.

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