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Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 31:4

(4) It is not for kings to drink wine.—Another of the temptations of kings. (Comp. 1 Kings 16:9; 1 Kings 20:16; Ecclesiastes 10:17.) Perversion of justice as the result of revelry is also noted by Isaiah (Isaiah 5:22-23). Comp. St. Paul’s advice to “use this world so as not abusing,” or rather “using it to the full” (1 Corinthians 7:31) read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-31

CHAPTER 32A GOOD WOMAN"O woman-hearts, that keep the days of old In living memory, can you stand back When Christ calls? Shall the heavenly Master lack The serving love, which is your life’s fine gold?""Do you forget the hand which placed the crown Of happy freedom on the woman’s head And took her from the dying and the dead, Lifting the wounded soul long trodden down?""Do you forget who bade the morning break, And snapped the fetters of the iron years? The Savior calls for service from your... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Proverbs 31:1-31

VII. THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL TAUGHT HIM BY HIS MOTHER CHAPTER 31 The Virtuous Woman “The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him”; this is the superscription of this chapter. Who is King Lemuel? No king by that name is known. We do not hesitate in saying that it is Solomon. It means “unto God” one who is devoted to the Lord. In all probability Solomon’s mother called her boy by this name, and here is the record therefore of the instruction given by Solomon’s mother. The... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Proverbs 31:4

31:4 [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes {e} strong drink:(e) That is, the king must not give himself to wantonness, and neglect of his office, which is to execute judgment. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 31:1-31

In THE FINAL CHAPTER of the book has also a peculiar character, King Lemuel is the writer, but not the author, for he simply quotes the words of his mother. Actually, no king of Israel or Judah is known by this name, and it would seem most likely that Lemuel is a name given Solomon by his mother. If this is so, then it bears lovely witness to the godly character of Bathsheba, whose experience of shame with David no doubt wrought to produce a serious self-judgment and resulting sober concern... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-31

The last division consists of two supplements, one of the words of Agur (chap. 30), and the other of Lemuel (chap. 31). Agur’s words begin with an exaltation of the Word of God (Proverbs 30:1-6 ), followed by short and pithy maxims with reference to the rich and the poor, pride and greed, etc. Lemuel’s words open with a philosophical statement, apply chiefly to kings, followed by his well-known poem in praise of the virtuous woman. read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Proverbs 31:1-31

The Perfect Woman Proverbs 31:0 This chapter contains the words of King Lemuel, and a full portrait of a good wife. The word "Lemuel" may be regarded as meaning "dedicated to God." The words of the mother are here quoted. We have seen that mothers were regarded with great veneration in the East. The mothers of kings were treated with great distinction, and were known as "queen-mothers." We have seen that they were not always good women; on the contrary, some of them seem to have been inspired... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Proverbs 31:2-7

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:4

Give. Septuagint, "Do all with counsel. By advice drink wine. Lords are inclined to anger; let them not drink wine." (Haydock) --- Solomon took this advice, Ecclesiastes ii. 3. read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:5

Poor. Solon condemned to death, at Athens, the prince who should get drunk; and the Areopagites excluded from their assembly a judge who had dined in a tavern. (Laertius 1.; Atheneus xiii. 2.) read more

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