Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:30 NIV

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

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 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:10

Who. The following verses are in alphabetical order. They contain a grand eulogy of Bethsabee, who repented, or of a perfect matron. (Calmet) --- Such are rare, though they may be found. (Worthington) --- Valiant; industrious. --- Price. Formerly people bought their wives. (Calmet) --- Is. Hebrew, "is far above riches (Protestants; Haydock) or pearls," Lamentations iv. 7. read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Proverbs 31:10-31

The ABC of the Virtuous Woman v. 10. Who can find a virtuous woman? the emphatic question pointing to the meaning: How splendid it would be for every man to have such a wife! For her price is far above rubies, beyond the worth of pearls and all treasures of the home, in so far as they pertain to this life. v. 11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, he may rely absolutely upon her prudence and skill in the home, so that he shall have no need of spoil, he shall not fail of... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Proverbs 31:1-31

Second SupplementThe words of Lemuel, together with the poem in praise of the matronChap. 31a) Lemuel’s maxims of wisdom for kingsProverbs 31:1-91 Words of Lemuel the king of Massawith which his mother instructed him:2 Oh, my son! ah, thou son of my womb!oh thou son of my vows!3 Give not thy strength to women,nor thy ways to destroy kings.4 Not for kings, oh Lemuel,not for kings (is it becoming) to drink wine;nor for princes (wine) or strong drink;5 lest he drink and forget... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Proverbs 31:10-31

Proverbs PORTRAIT OF A MATRON Pro_31:10 - Pro_31:31 . This description of a good ‘house-mother’ attests the honourable position of woman in Israel. It would have been impossible in Eastern countries, where she was regarded only as a plaything and a better sort of slave. The picture is about equally far removed from old-world and from modern ideas of her place. This ‘virtuous woman’ is neither a doll nor a graduate nor a public character. Her kingdom is the home. Her works ‘praise her in the... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Proverbs 31:10-31

“Her Works Praise Her” Proverbs 31:10-31 The ideal woman, as portrayed here, is a wife. She is the stay and confidence of her husband. Not only when she comes as a young bride into his home, in the glory and beauty of her youth, nor only when her womanly beauty holds his admiration, but long after and to the end of life she does him good. She is always busy. She is thrifty in administering his earnings. If he brings the money to her, she expends it economically for their common weal. When a... read more