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- The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
- What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?
- Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
- It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
- lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
- Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
- let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
- Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
- Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
- An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
- The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
- She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
- She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
- She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
- She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
- She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
- She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
- She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
- She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
- She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
- She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
- She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
- Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
- She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
- Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
- She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
- She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
- Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
- "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
- Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
- Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Christian Theologians Thoughts About these Verses:
Charles Bridges: An English clergyman known for his evangelical Calvinism and his commentary on Proverbs.
- In his work "A Commentary on Proverbs" (1846), he reflects, "The character here described is not that of one woman, but of the Christian womanhood that should ideally be aspired to, a model of virtue and industry for all times."
Matthew Henry: A noted Nonconformist minister and commentator whose commentary on the Bible is widely respected.
- In his "Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible" (1706-1710), he writes, "This passage is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which demonstrates its poetic and literary value, but also its moral teaching."
Derek Kidner: A British Old Testament scholar whose works are valued for their clarity and insight.
- In his "Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary" (1964), he states, "The woman of Proverbs 31 is portrayed with a wide range of activities, symbolizing the multifaceted role of wisdom in life, extending from the personal to the communal sphere."
Historical Setting and Author Background:
Proverbs Chapter 31 is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, likely compiled during or shortly after the time of King Solomon, though its exact dating is debated among scholars. The chapter begins with advice from the mother of King Lemuel, whose identity is not clearly established in biblical texts but is traditionally linked with Solomon or viewed as a non-Israelite king influenced by Hebrew wisdom. The purpose of these verses seems to be instructional, aimed at preparing a young ruler for leadership with wisdom, integrity, and justice.
Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:
- Excellent - חַיִל (Chayil) - Pronounced "kha-yil." It means "strength, might, efficiency, wealth," often used to describe valor or capability.
- Wife - אֵשֶׁת (Eshet) - Pronounced "ay-shet." It translates to "woman" or "wife."
- Wisdom - חָכְמָה (Chokmah) - Pronounced "khok-maw." Signifies "wisdom" or "skill."
- Poor - עָנִי (Ani) - Pronounced "aw-nee." Refers to the "afflicted" or "poor."
These terms in Hebrew emphasize not just the physical or social roles of the individuals but their moral and spiritual qualities, highlighting the value of inner strength, wisdom, and kindness over mere material wealth or beauty.
Greek Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:
Since Proverbs is from the Hebrew Bible and not directly from the Greek New Testament, Greek terms here are from the Septuagint:
- Excellent - ἀρετή (Aretē) - Pronounced "ah-ret-ay." It means "virtue, excellence, moral goodness."
- Wife - γυνή (Gynē) - Pronounced "goo-nay." It means "woman" or "wife."
The Greek terms help bridge the Old Testament wisdom to the broader Hellenistic world, emphasizing the universal aspects of wisdom and virtue, which are applicable in personal character development and societal roles.
Major and Minor Themes:
- Major Themes: Wisdom, Domestic Virtue, Leadership, Justice, and Piety.
- Minor Themes: Industry, Charity, Dignity, and the fear of the Lord.
These themes provide a blueprint for living a life of integrity and virtue, particularly for those in leadership roles or managing a household. They resonate with modern men in balancing personal ambition with family responsibilities, advocating for justice, and living a life marked by wisdom and respect for God.
Modern-Day Example of Applying this Verse:
A modern man can apply Proverbs 31 by fostering an environment where wisdom, hard work, and kindness prevail in his personal life and leadership roles. In his marriage, he can support his spouse's endeavors, recognizing and valuing her contributions to the family and community. At work, he can embody the principles of integrity and justice, ensuring his decisions reflect not only personal gain but also the welfare of others. Friendships can be deepened through acts of generosity and wisdom, reflecting the character described in Proverbs 31. This chapter encourages men to view their lives through the lens of Christ-like wisdom, where true success is measured by one's moral and spiritual character rather than superficial achievements.
Connections to Other Biblical Passages:
Old Testament Connections:
- Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, mirroring the virtue praised in Proverbs 31:30.
- Ruth 3:11 - Ruth is called a "woman of noble character," akin to the description of the Proverbs 31 woman.
New Testament Connections:
- 1 Peter 3:1-6 - Encourages wives to let their adornment be the inner self with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, resonating with the inner virtues praised in Proverbs 31.
- Ephesians 5:25-33 - Discusses mutual respect and love in marriage, which aligns with the mutual respect and praise found in Proverbs 31.
These connections highlight a consistent biblical theme of valuing character over appearance, advocating for justice, and promoting wise and loving leadership within family and community, which are timeless principles for men to live by.
Summary:
Proverbs Chapter 31 presents an ideal of wisdom personified, both in the advice to a king and in the description of an excellent wife. It challenges modern men to cultivate wisdom, justice, and a deep respect for God in all areas of life, from personal conduct to public leadership.
Questions for Deeper Thought:
How can a man integrate the principles of wisdom and integrity from Proverbs 31 into his daily actions and decisions?
What does it mean to fear the Lord in the context of modern life, and how can this influence one's approach to relationships and career?
A Short Prayer:
Father in Heaven,