Who is King Lemuel in this passage?

King Lemuel is a king whose name means “belonging to God.” In this passage we hear teaching that his mother gave him. She treats him as a son she prayed for and vowed to raise for God. Many readers connect Lemuel with Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, which fits the royal setting and the stress on wisdom and godliness. Whoever he is, the point is that he is a ruler who should live as one given to God, guided by his mother’s wise words about purity, sobriety, and justice.

What does it mean, “Give not thy strength unto women”?

This line warns a king not to waste his energy and life on chasing women. For a ruler, giving his strength to sexual sin can destroy his body, his judgment, and even his kingdom. History gives many examples of leaders ruined by lust and unfaithfulness. The mother is urging her son to keep himself from a lifestyle of indulgence and to use his strength instead for ruling well, fearing God, and caring for his people, rather than living to satisfy his desires.

Why is strong drink said to be “not for kings”?

The mother tells Lemuel that wine and strong drink are not for kings or princes because rulers must stay clear-headed. If they drink too much, they may forget the law and twist justice, especially against the afflicted who most need fair treatment. The idea is not about a tiny taste, but about giving yourself to drinking in a way that dulls your mind. A leader’s job is to judge rightly, so anything that clouds judgment is a danger to him and to the people he serves.

What does it mean to open your mouth for the dumb?

To “open your mouth for the dumb” means to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. These are people who are weak, ignored, or about to be crushed in court or in life. The mother tells the king to defend their cause, judge fairly, and plead for the poor and needy. A godly ruler does not only avoid harming people; he actively uses his power to protect the helpless. This shows God’s heart for justice and care for those who have no earthly defender.

Who is the virtuous woman described in this chapter?

The virtuous woman is pictured as a godly wife whose worth is far above rubies. Her husband trusts her fully. She does him good all her life. She works hard with her hands, provides food for her household, and even trades and buys fields with the fruit of her labor. She cares for the poor and needy, speaks with wisdom and kindness, and watches over her home. Her true beauty is her fear of the Lord, and her family rises up to call her blessed.

What does it mean that her price is far above rubies?

Saying her price is far above rubies means a virtuous woman is more valuable than the finest jewels. Rubies picture rare, costly treasure. A wife who fears the Lord, works faithfully, loves her family, and cares for the needy brings a kind of richness that money cannot buy. Her husband does not need to gain wealth by crooked ways because he can safely trust in her. Her steady character, wisdom, and industry bring lasting good to her home and honor to her husband.

Why does this passage say beauty is vain?

The passage says favor is deceitful and beauty is vain because outward charm and looks can fade and can also mislead. A person can be attractive on the outside but empty or even harmful on the inside. In contrast, a woman who fears the Lord has a beauty that does not wear out. Her respect for God shapes her choices, her words, and her care for others. That kind of beauty deserves praise, and the passage urges people to honor such a woman for her works.

How does the virtuous woman care for both family and needy people?

The virtuous woman is not limited to one task. She rises early to provide food for her household and portions for her maidens. She plans wisely, buys a field, and plants a vineyard with what she earns. At the same time, she opens her hand to the poor and reaches out to the needy. Her strength and honour are like clothing to her. She manages her home carefully without laziness, yet her kindness stretches beyond her walls to those who lack, showing a heart shaped by God’s mercy.

How can these teachings guide leaders and families today?

Leaders today can take to heart the warnings against sexual sin, drunkenness, and neglect of justice. They are called to stay clear-minded and use their position to speak for those who have no voice and to judge fairly. Families can look to the picture of the virtuous woman as an example of faithful love, hard work, wise planning, and fear of the Lord. While roles and jobs may differ now, the stress on integrity, self-control, compassion, and honor in the home still speaks clearly.

Prov.31.1

Proverbs 31:1

KJV

The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

The Sayings for King Lemuel

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtues of a Noble Woman

10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.