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Proverbs 31

31 verses

TL;DR

Proverbs 31 offers counsel for kings through King Lemuel and then extols the attributes of a virtuous woman, balancing warning against excess with praise for diligent, wise, and God‑fearing conduct.

Summary

The chapter begins with King Lemuel’s mother imparting wisdom, cautioning him against excessive wine and the influence of women who might lead him astray. She urges him to uphold the law and to speak for the helpless, highlighting the king’s responsibility for justice. The passage then shifts to the description of a virtuous woman, portraying her as trustworthy, industrious, and protective of her household. She is praised for her labor—working with wool, flax, and a vineyard—while also caring for the poor. Her domestic and economic skills are matched by her wisdom and kindness, and she is depicted as the ideal spouse, whose fear of the LORD brings honor to her family. The text concludes by celebrating her, encouraging that her deeds be known in the city gates, and underscoring that beauty and favor are fleeting, but reverence for God endures.

Outline
  1. King Lemuel’s mother gives counsel to avoid excess and injustice
  2. The virtuous woman’s exemplary qualities in household, labor, and faith
  3. Her legacy celebrated publicly and her reverence for God highlighted
Themes
Discernment and restraint in leadershipDiligent stewardship of household and resourcesReverence for God as the basis of true worth
Keywords
virtuewisdomstrengthfear of the LORDjusticeindustriousnesskindness
People
Lemuel
Places
the gates
Things
strong drinkwinewoolflaxspindledistaffcandletapestrysilkpurplelinen
Key Verses
  • Proverbs 31:3: Warns kings against relying on women who lead to destruction
  • Proverbs 31:10: Introduces the central question of identifying a virtuous woman
  • Proverbs 31:31: Summarizes the virtues and calls for public recognition of her worth
Questions
  • How does the advice to Lemuel reflect the responsibilities of modern leaders?
  • In what ways can the virtuous woman’s qualities be applied to contemporary household or workplace settings?
  • Why is the fear of the LORD highlighted as the ultimate source of true praise?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage mixes stern admonition with admiration, balancing caution and praise.