1.
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
1. On the title of this, the
sixth part of the book, see .
prophecy—(See on ).
2.
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
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.
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
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.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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.
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.
6, 7. The proper use of such
drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds
(compare Psalms 104:15).
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.
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).
9.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
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.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
12. do . . . good—contribute
good to him.
13.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
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.
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.
15. She diligently attends to
expending as well as gathering wealth;
16.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
16. and hence has means to
purchase property.
17.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
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.
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.
19. No work, however mean, if
honest, is disdained.
20.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
20. Industry enables her to be
charitable.
21.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
21. scarlet—or, "purple,"
by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste
also; the color suits cold.
22.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
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.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
23. in the gates—(compare ). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public
dignity.
24.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
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 are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
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.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
26. Her conversation is wise and
gentle.
27.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
27. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:14;
Titus 2:5). She adds to her example
a wise management of those under her control.
28.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
28. She is honored by those who
best know her.
29.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
29. The words are those of her
husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare ).
30.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
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.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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.