31:1–9
Lemuel, like Agur, might have been from Massa (see study note on Proverbs 30:1). Lemuel’s mother teaches him to control his desires, especially for women and alcohol, so he can rule fairly.
Besides this passage, we know nothing about Lemuel.
Study notes
Proverbs 31
31:1–9 Section
In this section of the book of Proverbs, a mother speaks to her son. It isn’t known who King Lemuel was but his mother’s wisdom was from God. Some of her advice was like the father’s advice in Proverbs 1 – 9. She warned Lemuel about sexual sins.
Most of her advice was about how to rule wisely as king. Her advice agreed with God’s rules for kings in Deuteronomy 17:17–20. This included not having many wives. It included remembering what had been commanded. In Israel, this was the Law of Moses. Forgetting it led kings to treat others badly.
Instead, Lemuel was to protect and help poor and needy people. This is described as speaking up for people who can’t speak up for themselves. As a leader, Lemuel had more authority than other people. He was to use this authority to take care of others and to be fair.
31:2–3
The advice to avoid wasting energy on desire for women repeats earlier warnings (Proverbs 5; 6:20–35; 7:1–27).
31:4–7
Drinking too much wine dulls the senses. A king needs to stay alert and should not drink too much alcohol.
31:8–9
Instead of drinking wine (Proverbs 31:4–7), the king should defend those who cannot protect themselves.
31:10–12
Without God's help, finding a virtuous and capable wife is impossible (Proverbs 18:22). Such a woman, like wisdom, is more precious than rubies (compare Proverbs 3:15).
31:10–31
Proverbs concludes with a strong poem honoring the virtuous wife. The acrostic format makes it feel complete and helps students learn.
31:10–31 Section
The last section of the book of Proverbs is an alphabet poem. It describes someone who has listened to wisdom as described in Proverbs 8:6.
This person has learnt the lessons taught throughout the book of Proverbs. This person has put these lessons into practice in every part of their life.
Earlier poems in Proverbs describe wisdom like a woman. This poem describes this wise person like an excellent woman. This person is like a woman who is strong and smart. She takes care of everything and everyone that she is responsible for.
She gives freely to those who need help. She makes careful plans and works very hard. She is bold and isn’t worried about the future. The members of her family and her city trust her.
It’s clear to everyone by the way she lives that she has respect for God. This leads people to honour her. She isn’t honoured for being beautiful or having charm. She is honoured because in her heart and in her actions she is wise.
31:13–15
The wife works to provide food and clothing for her family.
31:16–18
An excellent wife participates in business activities outside her home.
31:19–21
31:22–24
A hardworking wife helps her husband stand out among community leaders. In ancient Israel, civic leaders met at the city gates to hold trials and make decisions.
31:25–27
The noble wife shows wisdom. She stays calm when facing the unknown. She offers advice in a charming way.
31:28–29
The people who know the woman best speak about her character, skills, and accomplishments.
31:30–31
The book ends as it started, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord (see Proverbs 1:7). A woman's character matters more than her physical beauty.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources