Proverbs 31

31:1-9 Lemuel, like Agur, might have been from Massa (see study note on 30:1). Lemuel’s mother’s teaching encourages him to control his lusts (particularly for women and alcohol) so that he might reign justly. • Apart from this passage, Lemuel is unknown.

31:2-3 The admonition not to waste energy on lust for women echoes earlier warnings (ch 5; 6:20-35; 7:1-27).

31:4-7 Too much wine numbs the senses. A king needs his wits about him and should not overindulge in alcohol.

31:8-9 Rather than opening his mouth to drink wine (31:4-7), the king should speak up on behalf of the defenseless.

31:10-31 Proverbs ends with a powerful poem celebrating the virtuous wife. The poem’s acrostic arrangement gives an impression of completeness and provides the student with an aid for learning.31:10-12 No one can find a virtuous and capable wife without God’s help (18:22). Such a woman, like wisdom, is more precious than rubies (cp. 3:15).

31:13-15 This wife works to provide food and clothing for her family.

31:16-18 An excellent wife is engaged in commercial enterprises outside her home.

31:19-21 A virtuous wife is generous to the poor, another characteristic of wise people (11:24-26; 21:13; 22:9, 16, 22-23; 28:27).

31:22-24 A capable wife’s industriousness enables her husband to distinguish himself among community leaders. In ancient Israel, civic leaders met at the city gates to conduct trials and make decisions.

31:25-27 The noble wife’s character exemplifies wisdom. She is coolheaded as she faces future uncertainties. She gives advice in a winsome way.

31:28-29 Those most important to the woman testify to her character, abilities, and achievements.

31:30-31 The book concludes where it began, by affirming the ultimate importance of the fear of the Lord (see 1:7). A woman’s character is more important than her physical beauty.