Proverbs 31

Pr 31:1-31.

1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book,

see

Introduction.

prophecy--(See on

Pr 30:1).

2. What, my son?--that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote

earnestness.

son of my womb--as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special

affection.

son of my vows--as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may

mean.

3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are

peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous

government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.

strength--mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.

thy ways--or course of life.

to that . . . kings--literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid

destructive pleasures (compare

Pr 5:9; 7:22, 27;

Ho 4:11).

4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit

rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections

(compare

Pr 20:1; 22:29).

pervert . . . afflicted--They give unrighteous decisions against the

poor.

6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble

bodies and depressed minds (compare

Ps 104:15).

8, 9. Open . . . cause--Plead for those who cannot plead for

themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (compare

Ps 72:12;

Isa 1:17).

appointed to destruction--who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors

(compare

Pr 29:14, 16).

10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived

and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its

moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the

letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare

Introduction

to Poetical Books).

Who . . . woman--The question implies that such are rare, though not

entirely wanting (compare

Pr 18:22; 19:14).

virtuous--literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare

Pr 12:4;

Ru 3:11).

her price, &c.--(compare

Pr 3:15).

11. heart . . . trust in her--He relies on her prudence and skill.

no need of spoil--does not lack profit or gain, especially, that

obtained by the risk of war.

12. do . . . good--contribute good to him.

13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and

such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since.

In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.

15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;

16. and hence has means to purchase property.

17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted

and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her

prosperity (compare

Pr 24:20)

is not short lived.

19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.

20. Industry enables her to be charitable.

21. scarlet--or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best

fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.

22. coverings of tapestry--or, "coverlets," that is, for beds.

silk--or, "linen" (compare

Ex 26:1; 27:9)

and purple--that is, the most costly goods.

23. in the gates--(compare

Pr 22:22).

His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.

24. fine linen--or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.

girdles--were often costly and highly valued

(2Sa 18:11).

delivereth--or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."

25. Strength and honour--Strong and beautiful is her clothing;

or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.

shall rejoice . . . come--in confidence of certain maintenance.

26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.

27. (Compare

1Ti 5:14;

Tit 2:5).

She adds to her example a wise management of those under her

control.

28. She is honored by those who best know her.

29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.

virtuously--(Compare

Pr 31:10).

30. Favour--or, "Grace" of personal manner.

beauty--of face, or form (compare

Pr 11:22).

True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection

(1Pe 3:3).

31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to

the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its

realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the

domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the

people.

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