FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Proverbs 31:1
KJVThe words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
Read it in context
The Sayings for King Lemuel
Start reading at Proverbs 31:1 (Proverbs 31:1 to Proverbs 31:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
- 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
- 31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
- 31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
- 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
- 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
- 31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
- 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
- 31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
- 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 31:1–31:31): Lemuel receives instruction from his mother in the opening section. The concluding poem describes the capable woman for the wisdom audience and calls for her works to receive public praise. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Sayings for King Lemuel. Read Proverbs 31:1 through Proverbs 31:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Sayings for King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1 to Proverbs 31:9). Start reading at Proverbs 31:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 31:1, Proverbs 31:9, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- the prophecy Prov 30:1
- his Prov 1:8 Prov 6:20 2 Tim 1:5 2 Tim 3:15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 31
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
Proverbs 31:10–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.