(Chapter 31)
The Words of King Lemuel
The last division of the book is the counsel of the queen mother to her son—“King Lemuel.” We do not know whether this was a name of endearment that Bathsheba had for Solomon, or whether it refers to some other person.
To have a kingdom that God would bless, his mother taught him that he had to be careful of the following:
The danger of women with loose morals—immorality (vss. 2-3).
The danger of alcohol—debauchery (vss. 4-7).
The danger of not maintaining justice in his kingdom—partiality (vss. 8-9).
The Virtuous Woman
The latter half of the chapter describes the ideal wife (Prov. 31:10-3110Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10‑31)). It is an acrostic poem following the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet:
She is priceless—a rare person (vs. 10).
She is trustworthy—meriting the full confidence of her husband (vss. 11-12).
She is industrious—she can sew & knit (vss. 13, 19).
She is a good cook (vss. 14-15).
She manages money well (vss. 16, 24).
She gardens (vs. 16).
She keeps herself fit (vs. 17).
She is charitable (vs. 20).
She doesn’t neglect her children (vss. 21, 27).
She doesn’t neglect her appearance (vs. 22).
She is a boon to her husband’s ministry (vs. 23).
She supplements her husband’s income (vs. 24).
She is wise & kind (vs. 26).
She is loved & respected by her family (vss. 27-28).
She fears the Lord & has a great reward waiting for her (vss. 29-31).
It significant that this woman’s “hands” are mentioned seven times, but her “mouth” is only mentioned once!
B. Anstey