Here follows the exhortation, which seems to come from the same source as the "burden" of Agur above. In this section the connection and parallelism of the parts are exhibited by repetition of thought and often of words in the several clauses. read more
A mother's maxims The mother's heart, deep in emotions of affection and urgent solicitude, is expressed in the passionate form of the address. I. ON WOMEN OR THE DUTY OF CHASTITY . ( Proverbs 31:3 .) The weakness of this passion was one of the things, Alexander the Great was wont to say, which reminded him that he was mortal David and Solomon were both warnings and beacon lights against yielding to it. II. ON WINE , OR THE DUTY OF TEMPERANCE . ( ... read more
The second admonition. A warning against inebriety, and concerning a proper use of strong drink. read more
There are cases where strong drink may be properly administered. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish ( Job 29:13 ; Job 31:19 ). As a restorative, a cordial, or a medicine, wine may he advantageously used; it has a place in the providential economy of God. "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities," was St. Paul's advice to Timothy ( 1 Timothy 5:23 ). It is supposed to have been in consideration of the injunction in the text that the ladies of... read more
The allowable as the exceptional It is often the case that that which is wrong as a rule is right as an exception; what it would be unwise, if not unlawful, to do under ordinary circumstances, it may be most wise and even obligatory to do in emergencies. This applies particularly, but not exclusively, to the subject of the text— I. THE USE OF STIMULANTS . In a state of health and during the discharge of daily duties, shun the use of stimulants; depend upon that which nourishes... read more
Let him drink, and forget his poverty. Ovid, 'Art. Amat.,' 1.237— " Vina parant animos, faciuntque caloribus aptos: Cura fugit multo diluiturque mero. Tunc veniunt risus; tunc pauper cornua sumit; Tunc dolor, et curae, rugaque frontis abit ." Thus is shown a way in which the rich can comfort and encourage their poorer brethren, which is a better method of using God's good gifts than by expending them on their own selfish enjoyment. read more
Open thy mouth for the dumb. The "dumb" is any one who for any reason whatever is unable to plead his own cause; he may be of tender age, or of lowly station, or ignorant, timid, and boorish; and the prince is enjoined to plead for him and defend him (comp. Job 29:15 ). In the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction; literally, the sons of passing away ( Isaiah 2:18 ); i.e. not orphans, children whose parents have vanished from the earth, nor strangers from a foreign... read more
The third exhortation, admonishing the king to judge righteously. read more
The function and the privilege of power God gives to some men place and power; they may inherit it, or they may win their way to it by the force of their talent or their merit. When they have reached it, what should be the use they make of it? We may look first at— I. WHAT HAS BEEN ITS HABIT . Only too often the actual use that has been made of high station and of civil or military lower is that of Men have used their elevation only to drink the sweet cup of pleasure; or to... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-31
The words of Lernuel The fear of God is the leading thought in these meditations; and this in a twofold relation—to the king in his rule in the state, and the woman in her rule in the house. read more