VII. COLLECTION 7: THE WISDOM OF LEMUEL CH. 31Some commentators have regarded only the first nine verses of this chapter as Lemuel’s writing. One reason for this is that the Septuagint translators separated Proverbs 31:1-9 from Proverbs 31:10-31 by five chapters (chs. 25-29). However, the Hebrew text implies that Lemuel wrote the whole chapter since it connects these two sections. read more
C. The wise woman 31:10-31There is much in Proverbs about unwise women. Solomon personified both wisdom and folly as women earlier (chs. 8-9). Perhaps God wanted us to finish reading this book-assured that women are not essentially evil or foolish-but that they can be very good, wise, and admirable. Jewish husbands and children traditionally recited this poem at the Sabbath table on Friday evenings. [Note: Y. Levin, "’The Woman of Valor’ in Jewish Ritual [Proverbs 31:10-31]," Beth Mikra 31... read more
The "distaff" was the rod that held the raw wool while spinning. The "spindle" was the stick the spinner twirled between her fingers that took up the spun wool (Proverbs 31:19). She is generous rather than selfish (Proverbs 31:20)."The hands that grasp to produce open wide to provide." [Note: Van Leeuwen, p. 262. Cf. Ephesians 4:28.] She provides security for her family by providing them with clothing that is both warm and attractive (Proverbs 31:21). She also tends to her own appearance. She... read more
The Mother of Lemuel. The Excellent Woman1-9. An exhortation addressed to king Lemuel by his mother, urging him to avoid women and wine. The latter leads to slackness and unfairness in the administration of justice.’1. Read the title thus: ’The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him.’ It is possible that the Massa of Genesis 25:14 is meant. 2. The repeated What? appears to point to an inclination towards these excesses. Son of my vows] see 1 Samuel 1:11.3. Read, ’Give not... read more
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
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
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
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
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
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 31:22
22. coverings of tapestry—or, "coverlets," that is, for beds. silk—or, "linen" (compare Exodus 26:1; Exodus 27:9) and purple—that is, the most costly goods. read more