Proverbs 31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 31

This chapter is added to Solomon's proverbs, some think because it is of the same author, supposing king Lemuel to be king Solomon; others only because it is of the same nature, though left in writing by another author, called Lemuel; however it be, it is a prophecy, and therefore given by inspiration and direction of God, which Lemuel was under in the writing of it, and putting it into this form, as his mother was in dictating to him the matter of it. Here is, I. An exhortation to Lemuel, a... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 31:1-9

Most interpreters are of opinion that Lemuel is Solomon; the name signifies one that is for God, or devoted to God; and so it agrees well enough with that honourable name which, by divine appointment, was given to Solomon (2 Sam. 12:25), Jedediah?beloved of the Lord. Lemuel is supposed to be a pretty, fond, endearing name, by which his mother used to call him; and so much did he value himself upon the interest he had in his mother's affections that he was not ashamed to call himself by it. One... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 31 This chapter contains the last part of the book of Proverbs; which some reckon the fifth, others the sixth. It contains the instructions of the mother of a prince, whose name was Lemuel, which she gave unto him; and which are so valuable, as to be annexed to the proverbs of Solomon. The preface or introduction to them is in Proverbs 31:1 ; the address to her son, Proverbs 31:2 . The vices she cautions him against are uncleanness and intemperance; which she... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:1

The words of King Lemuel ,.... Not what were spoken by him, but what were spoken to him; or declaring what his mother said, as what follows shows; of this king we have no account elsewhere under this name. Grotius thinks that King Hezekiah, whose mother Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah, whom he supposes to be a wise man, from whom she had learned much, instructed her son in the following manner; but gives no other reason for this conjecture but that this chapter follows the collection of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:2

What, my son ?.... What shall I call thee? though thou art a king, can I address thee in more suitable language, or use a more endearing appellative than this, and what follows? permit me, thy mother, to speak unto thee as my son: and what shall I say to thee? I want words, I want wisdom; O that I knew what to say to thee, that would be proper and profitable; or what is it I am about to say to thee? things of the greatest moment and importance, and therefore listen to me; and so the manner... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:3

Give not thy strength unto women ,.... Strength of body, which is weakened by an excessive use of venery F2 "Venus enervat vireis", Avienus. with a multiplicity of women; see, Proverbs 5:9 ; and strength of mind, reason, and wisdom, which is impaired by conversation with such persons; whereby time is consumed and lost, which should be spent in the improvement of knowledge: or "thy riches", as the Septuagint and Arabic versions, thy substance, which harlots devour, and who bring a man... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel ,.... It is not fit for them, it is very unbecoming them; it is dishonourable to them, to such as Lemuel was, or was likely to be; or far be it from kings, let no such thing be do ne by them, nor by thee; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink ; it is lawful for kings to drink wine in a moderate manner, and for princes, counsellors, and judges, to drink strong drink; meaning not such as is made of malt, which in those times was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:5

Lest they drink, and forget the law ,.... The law of God by Moses, which the kings of Israel were obliged to write a copy of, and read over daily, to imprint it on their minds, that they might never forget it, but always govern according to it, Deuteronomy 17:18 ; or the law of their ancestors, or what was made by themselves, which through intemperance may be forgotten; for this sin stupefies the mind and hurts the memory, and makes men forgetful; and pervert the judgment of any of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish ,.... Thou, O Lemuel, and other kings and judges, rather than drink strong drink yourselves, least to excess; give it out of your great abundance and liberality to poor persons in starving circumstances, who must perish, unless relieved; it will do them good, moderately used; and should they drink too freely, which they ought not, yet it would not be attended with such bad consequences as if kings and princes should; and wine to those... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 31:7

Let him drink, and forget his poverty ,.... Which has been very pressing upon him, and afflicting to him; let him drink till he is cheerful, and forgets that he is a poor man; however, so far forgets as not to be troubled about it, and have any anxious thoughts how he must have food and raiment F11 "Tunc dolor a curae rugaqae frontis abit", Ovid. de Arte Amandi, l. 1. ; and remember his misery no more ; the anguish of his mind because of his straitened circumstances; or "his... read more

Group of Brands