Explanation: Proverbs 31 contains comparisons and contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter is a sub-division within the second main part of Proverbs (25-31). The chapter consists of two parts -- how to be a wise king and how to find a wife worthy of a king. In this chapter King Lemuel records the teaching of his mother. This is one of several passages in Scripture which were spoken by God through women. Notable examples are these: Sarah, Genesis 21:9-13; Deborah, Judges 5; Elizabeth, Luke 1:41-45; and Mary, Luke 1:46-55. Today's painting depicts one of the characteristics of a good mother -- a tender relationship with her child.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 30. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Proverbs 31. Book of Proverbs. ]

     The subjects of chapter 31 are these: The chapter is a prophecy (oracle, or burden) which Lemuel's mother taught to him and which he passed on in written form to others. It consists of two parts: In the first part, Lemuel's mother warns him against women, wine, and injustice; in the second part, she instructs him to take a virtuous woman as his wife, and she describes the characteristics of such a woman (1). Her first warning is that Lemuel must not allow himself to be weakened by women. That is, he must not give his "strength" (power, wealth, virtue, ability) to women. This is a general warning. It would apply to any acts or situations which would weaken Lemuel in any way. Applied to whoredom, it would be a warning against the associated moral and physical dangers. Applied to keeping a harem, it would might be a reference to the distractions of overindulgence, and perhaps to the temptation to worship the false gods of a pagan wife or concubine, as was the case with Solomon (). Applied to other forms of strength, the overindulgence mentioned would distract a king from affairs of state and would weaken his hold on political power and on the military. In these circumstances, morality can also slip; and physical strength can drain away (2-3). Lemuel's mother also warned him that wine and strong drink are dangerous (4). One of the greatest of these dangers is that he may forget the law and pervert the judgment of those who are afflicted (5). Strong drink is for those who are ready to perish, who have heavy hearts, so that they may drink, and forget their poverty and their misery (6-7). But Lemuel must open his mouth for those who cannot speak for themselves, for those who are appointed to destruction -- literally, for those who are the sons of destruction (8). He must open his mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy (9).
     Lemuel's mother then calls her son to consider the value of a virtuous woman. Her price is above rubies. The word "virtuous" is the same word used in verse three and translated "strength." As above, it indicates ability in all of its forms -- physical, mental, spiritual, social, business, and so on. This breadth of meaning can be seen quite clearly from the description which Lemuel's mother gives of a virtuous woman. (10). The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he has no need of plunder (11). She does him good all the days of her life (12). She seeks wool and flax and works willingly with her hands (13). She gathers food from afar like the merchant ships do (14). She arises before dawn and prepares food for her household and for her servants (15). She considers a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard (16). She clothes her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms (17). She perceives that her merchandise is profitable; her candle does not go out at night (18). She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff (19). She reaches out to the poor and the needy (20). She in not afraid of the snow for her household, because they are clothed in scarlet (21). She makes coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple (22). Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land (23). She makes fine linen, and sells it, and delivers girdles to the merchant (24). Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come (25). She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness (26). She looks well to the ways of her household; she does not eat the bread of idleness (27). Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her (28). Many daughters have done excellently, but she surpasses them all (29). Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (30). Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates (31).