1. On the title of this, the
sixth part of the book, see .
prophecy—(See on ).
2. What, my son?—that is, What
shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb—as our
phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows—as one
dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3-9. Succinct but solemn
warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as
carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used
to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength—mental and
bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways—or course of
life.
to that . . .
kings—literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid
destructive pleasures (compare Proverbs 5:9;
Proverbs 7:22; Proverbs 7:27;
Hosea 4:11).
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble
reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and
steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Proverbs 20:1;
Proverbs 22:29).
pervert . . . afflicted—They
give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6, 7. The proper use of such
drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds
(compare Psalms 104:15).
10-31. This exquisite picture of
a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the
customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes.
In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew
alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
Who . . . woman—The
question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting
(compare Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14).
virtuous—literally, "of
strength," that is, moral courage (compare Proverbs 12:4;
Ruth 3:11).
her price, &c.—(compare
Proverbs 3:15).
11. heart . . . trust in her—He
relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil—does
not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of
war.
12. do . . . good—contribute
good to him.
13, 14. Ancient women of rank
thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of
Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics
were articles of merchandise.
15. She diligently attends to
expending as well as gathering wealth;
16. and hence has means to
purchase property.
17, 18. To energy she adds a
watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The
last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare ) is not short lived.
19. No work, however mean, if
honest, is disdained.
20. Industry enables her to be
charitable.
21. scarlet—or, "purple,"
by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste
also; the color suits cold.
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.
23. in the gates—(compare ). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public
dignity.
24. fine linen—or, "linen
shirts," or the material for them.
girdles—were often
costly and highly valued ().
delivereth—or, "giveth
as a present" or "to sell."
25. Strength and honour—Strong
and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral
character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice . . . come—in
confidence of certain maintenance.
26. Her conversation is wise and
gentle.
28. She is honored by those who
best know her.
29. The words are those of her
husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare ).
30. Favour—or, "Grace"
of personal manner.
beauty—of face, or form
(compare Proverbs 11:22). True piety
alone commands permanent respect and affection (Proverbs 11:22).
31. The result of her labor is
her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this
admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the
daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and,
therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.
CHAPTER 31
.
1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see .
prophecy—(See on ).
2. What, my son?—that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb—as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows—as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength—mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways—or course of life.
to that . . . kings—literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare Proverbs 5:9; Proverbs 7:22; Proverbs 7:27; Hosea 4:11).
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 22:29).
pervert . . . afflicted—They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (compare Psalms 104:15).
8, 9. Open . . . cause—Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, c. (compare Psalms 72:12 Isaiah 1:17).
appointed to destruction—who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (compare Proverbs 29:14; Proverbs 29:16).
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
Who . . . woman—The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14).
virtuous—literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare Proverbs 12:4; Ruth 3:11).
her price, &c.—(compare Proverbs 3:15).
11. heart . . . trust in her—He relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil—does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war.
12. do . . . good—contribute good to him.
13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.
15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;
16. and hence has means to purchase property.
17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare ) is not short lived.
19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.
20. Industry enables her to be charitable.
21. scarlet—or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.
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.
23. in the gates—(compare ). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.
24. fine linen—or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.
girdles—were often costly and highly valued ().
delivereth—or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."
25. Strength and honour—Strong and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice . . . come—in confidence of certain maintenance.
26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.
27. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:5). She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control.
28. She is honored by those who best know her.
29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare ).
30. Favour—or, "Grace" of personal manner.
beauty—of face, or form (compare Proverbs 11:22). True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection (Proverbs 11:22).
31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.