Proverbs 31 opens with a shift in voice and authorship: “The sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle his mother taught him” (v.1). Though little is known about Lemuel specifically, this introduction highlights the significant role his mother played in shaping his character and leadership through wise instruction, a fitting reminder of the influence of godly parents introduced throughout the book.
The mother’s counsel begins with a warning against wasting strength and character on those who bring ruin: “Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings” (v.3), and a caution against excessive drinking, especially for those in leadership, since alcohol can cloud judgment and compromise justice, “lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights” (vv.4-5). Instead, wine may have its place among those who are suffering, offering brief comfort in distress, but leaders must remain clear headed to fulfill their responsibilities.
This leads directly into an urgent call for justice on behalf of the vulnerable: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (vv.8-9). This succinctly captures a theme woven throughout much of Proverbs, true leadership exists not for self indulgence, but to protect and advocate for those who are otherwise powerless.
The chapter then transitions into its most famous section, an extended acrostic poem (following the Hebrew alphabet in the original text) describing the virtuous, capable woman often referred to as “The Wife of Noble Character” (vv.10-31). This portrait presents a woman of remarkable strength, wisdom, and industriousness: she is trustworthy, “her husband has full confidence in her” (v.11), diligent in business and household management, buying and selling wisely, working with her hands, and providing for her family, “she gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family” (v.15). She is physically and spiritually strong, “she is clothed with strength and dignity” (v.25), and wise in speech, “she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (v.26).
Crucially, this portrait emphasizes not physical beauty but inner character as the true measure of worth: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (v.30), a fitting conclusion that redirects value away from superficial standards toward reverence for God as the ultimate marker of true excellence. The chapter, and the entire book of Proverbs, closes with a call to honor such a woman openly, “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (v.31).
Chapter 31
1 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa: the teaching which he had from his mother.
2 What am I to say to you, O Lemuel, my oldest son? and what, O son of my body? and what, O son of my oaths?
3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?
5 For fear that through drinking they may come to have no respect for the law, wrongly judging the cause of those who are in trouble.
6 Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:
7 Let him have drink, and his need will go from his mind, and the memory of his trouble will be gone.
8 Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.
9 Let your mouth be open, judging rightly, and give right decisions in the cause of the poor and those in need.
10 Who may make discovery of a woman of virtue? For her price is much higher than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband has faith in her, and he will have profit in full measure.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She gets wool and linen, working at the business of her hands.
14 She is like the trading-ships, getting food from far away.
15 She gets up while it is still night, and gives meat to her family, and their food to her servant-girls.
16 After looking at a field with care, she gets it for a price, planting a vine-garden with the profit of her work.
17 She puts a band of strength round her, and makes her arms strong.
18 She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night.
19 She puts her hands to the cloth-working rod, and her fingers take the wheel.
20 Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.
21 She has no fear of the snow for her family, for all those in her house are clothed in red.
22 She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple.
23 Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.
24 She makes linen robes and gets a price for them, and traders take her cloth bands for a price.
25 Strength and self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile.
26 Her mouth is open to give out wisdom, and the law of mercy is on her tongue.
27 She gives attention to the ways of her family, she does not take her food without working for it.
28 Her children get up and give her honour, and her husband gives her praise, saying,
29 Unnumbered women have done well, but you are better than all of them.
30 Fair looks are a deceit, and a beautiful form is of no value; but a woman who has the fear of the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her credit for what her hands have made: let her be praised by her works in the public place.
Important Verses:
v.8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” A powerful call to justice and advocacy for the vulnerable.
v.10 “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Introduces the extended poem celebrating wisdom embodied in a virtuous woman.
v.25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity.” Highlights inner strength and honor as marks of true character.
v.30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” The chapter’s culminating statement on true, lasting value.
