Proverbs 31:6-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:4-7

The second admonition. A warning against inebriety, and concerning a proper use of strong drink. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:6

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:6

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:7

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:8

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:8-9

The third exhortation, admonishing the king to judge righteously. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 31:8-9

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 31:4-7

Proverbs 31:4-7. It is not for kings to drink wine Namely, to excess, as the next verse explains it: Lest they drink and forget the law The laws of God, by which they are to govern themselves and their kingdoms; and pervert the judgment of the afflicted Which may be easily done by a drunken judge, because drunkenness deprives a man of the use of his reason; by which alone men can distinguish between right and wrong, and withal stirs up those passions in him, which incline him both to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 31:8

Proverbs 31:8. Open thy mouth Speak freely and impartially, as becomes a king and a judge to do: for the dumb For such as cannot speak in their own cause, either through ignorance, or because of the dread of their more potent adversaries. In the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction Who, without such succour from the judges, are likely to be utterly ruined. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-9

A mother’s advice to a king (31:1-9)King Lemuel was probably a non-Israelite from a neighbouring nation, but his mother appears to have been a God-fearing woman who vowed her son to God (31:1-2). The main desire of some kings was to get themselves as much pleasure as possible, chiefly through women and wine. Lemuel is warned that such interests distract a king from his proper duties and result in lawlessness and injustice (3-5). Strong drink deadens pain and dulls the mind. Therefore, among the... read more

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