Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 31

• Lemuel, like Agur, might have been from Massa (see study note on Proverbs 30:1). Lemuel’s mother teaches him to control his desires, especially for women and alcohol, so he can rule fairly.

• Besides this passage, we know nothing about Lemuel.

The advice to avoid wasting energy on desire for women repeats earlier warnings (Proverbs 5; 6:20–35; 7:1–27).

Drinking too much wine dulls the senses. A king needs to stay alert and should not drink too much alcohol.

Instead of drinking wine (Proverbs 31:4–7), the king should defend those who cannot protect themselves.

Without God's help, finding a virtuous and capable wife is impossible (Proverbs 18:22). Such a woman, like wisdom, is more precious than rubies (compare Proverbs 3:15).

Proverbs concludes with a strong poem honoring the virtuous wife. The acrostic format makes it feel complete and helps students learn.

The wife works to provide food and clothing for her family.

An excellent wife participates in business activities outside her home.

A virtuous wife is generous to the poor, which is also a trait of wise people (Proverbs 11:24–26; 21:13; 22:9, 16, 22–23; 28:27).

A hardworking wife helps her husband stand out among community leaders. In ancient Israel, civic leaders met at the city gates to hold trials and make decisions.

The noble wife shows wisdom. She stays calm when facing the unknown. She offers advice in a charming way.

The people who know the woman best speak about her character, skills, and accomplishments.

The book ends as it started, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord (see Proverbs 1:7). A woman's character matters more than her physical beauty.