Proverbs Chapter 31 — The Virtuous Woman and Wise Counsel
Proverbs 31 presents a mother's advice to a king on leadership and justice, followed by a celebrated poem describing a woman of noble character.
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Notable Verses
Proverbs 31:8
“Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Proverbs 31:10
“Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
It introduces the famous acrostic poem celebrating a woman of exceptional character and value.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.”
It shifts the focus from outward appearance to inner spiritual character as the true source of worth.
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 31 begins with the instructions of King Lemuel's mother, advising him against excessive living and advocating for the defense of the poor and helpless. She warns that a king's strength should not be wasted on things that cloud judgment, such as strong drink, which leads to the perversion of justice. The second half of the chapter is an acrostic poem detailing the characteristics of a 'worthy woman.' She is described as industrious, wise, and compassionate, managing her household with diligence while engaging in trade and agriculture. She provides for her family, helps the poor, and speaks with wisdom. The chapter concludes by noting that while charm and beauty are fleeting, a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised and rewarded for the fruit of her labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
King Lemuel is identified in the first verse as a ruler who received a revelation or oracle from his mother. While his exact historical identity is not confirmed elsewhere in the Bible, his name means 'belonging to God.'
The description, spanning verses 10 to 31, is an acrostic poem where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It portrays a woman who is hardworking, business-savvy, generous to the poor, and deeply respected by her family.
She warns the king against drinking alcohol to excess, as it can cause a ruler to forget the law and pervert justice. Instead, she encourages him to use his position to judge righteously and protect the rights of the destitute.
Study Note
The passage from verse 10 to 31 is an alphabetical acrostic in Hebrew, a literary device often used in ancient poetry to aid memorization and signify completeness.
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