Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryProverbs 31

Maternal Counsels to King LemuelThis section contains wise advice that a mother gave to her son, King Lemuel. Many people think Lemuel was another name for Solomon, and the name means “devoted to God.” Whether Lemuel was Solomon or another king, the main point is that mothers, as well as fathers, should teach their children about right and wrong, especially when they are young and teachable. Even people in high positions, like kings, need to remember and follow the good lessons they learned in childhood. These instructions help everyone, not just rulers, to live well and honor those who guided them in their youth (2 Samuel 12:25 ).v. 1-2: The mother calls out to her son with deep concern, saying, What, my son? and what, son of my womb? and what, son of my vows? (Proverbs 31:2 ). She reminds him that her advice comes from a parent’s love and care. He is not just her child, but also the answer to her prayers and promises to God. Because he is so precious to her, she wants him to pay careful attention to her words and make wise choices.

v. 3: She warns him against living a life of sexual immorality. Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings . Being involved in sinful relationships can ruin a person’s health, reputation, and ability to lead. Even great kings like David suffered when they sinned in this way. Leaders, and everyone else, should guard themselves from anything that destroys their honor and soul.

v. 4-5: Next, she warns against drunkenness. It is not for kings to drink wine or strong drink (Proverbs 31:4 ). Getting drunk can make a ruler forget the law and judge people unfairly. A king must have a clear mind to help those in need and to lead wisely. If a leader is controlled by alcohol, he can easily make mistakes and hurt those who depend on him (Isaiah 28:7 ).

v. 6-7: She points out that strong drink should be given to those who are suffering or dying, not to rulers who must make wise decisions. Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts (Proverbs 31:6 ). Used properly, it can help people forget their pain for a while. But it is not meant for self-indulgence or to escape responsibilities. Even the apostle Paul advised using a little wine for health, not for pleasure (1 Timothy 5:23 ).

v. 8-9: Finally, the mother tells her son to use his power to help others. Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9 ). A good leader should defend those who cannot speak for themselves and stand up for justice, especially for the poor and weak. This is true leadership—using your position to protect and help others, not just yourself.

The Virtuous Woman This section describes the qualities and character of a truly virtuous woman. She is praised not just for her beauty or charm, but for her wisdom, kindness, hard work, and fear of the Lord

v. 11: The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil . Her husband has complete confidence in her. He knows she will do him good and not harm. Because of her wisdom and honesty, she helps him succeed and gives him peace of mind.

v. 12: She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life . She is always kind and faithful to her husband. She does her best for him every day, not just sometimes. Her love and support are constant.

v. 13: She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands . She works hard and is eager to help her family. She finds what is needed and is happy to do her share. She is not lazy, but enjoys being useful and productive.

v. 14: She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar . She is wise and creative in providing for her family. Like ships that travel to bring goods from far away, she makes sure her family has the best she can find.

v. 15: She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens . She gets up early to make sure everyone in her house is cared for, including her servants. She is thoughtful and organized, making sure all the work is done well and on time.

v. 16: She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard . She is wise in business and makes good decisions. She invests her money and effort wisely, so her family benefits. She is careful and plans ahead.

v. 17: She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms . She is strong and works hard. She does not give up easily, but faces her work with energy and determination.

v. 18: She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night . She checks her work and is pleased with the results. She is willing to stay up late to finish what needs to be done. She is diligent and careful about everything she does.

v. 19: She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff . She is skilled with her hands and knows how to make things for her family. She uses her talents for the good of others.

v. 20: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy . She is generous and caring. She helps people who are in need and is always ready to show kindness and mercy.

v. 21: She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet . She prepares ahead for difficult times. Her family is well cared for and protected from harm, because she thinks ahead and plans well.

v. 22: She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple . She is creative and cares about her home and appearance, making things beautiful and comfortable for her family.

v. 23: Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land . Her good work and good character help her husband be respected in the community. She brings honour to her family by her behaviour.

v. 24: She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant . She is enterprising and knows how to earn money in honest ways. She works hard and is wise in business.

v. 25: Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come . Her true beauty is her strength of character and dignity. Because she is faithful and wise, she can look forward to the future with joy and without fear.

v. 26: She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness . She speaks with wisdom and kindness. Her words help and encourage others, not hurt or tear them down.

v. 27: She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness . She carefully watches over her family and makes sure everything is done properly. She is not lazy, but always working for the good of her home.

v. 28: Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her . Her family loves and appreciates her. Both her children and her husband see how wonderful she is and praise her for all she does.

v. 29: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all . There are many good women, but the virtuous woman stands out above them all for her faithfulness and excellence.

v. 30: Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord

v. 31: Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (Proverbs 31:31 ). She deserves to be rewarded for all the good she does. Her good deeds will be remembered and celebrated by everyone.