1
These are the words of Lemuel, king of Massa,
which his mother taught him.
2
What shall I say, my son,
my own son,
my son of my vows?
3
Do not give your strength to women,
and your ways to those who destroy kings.
4
It is not fitting for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not fitting for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and pervert the rights of the afflicted.
6
Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
and wine to those who are bitter in soul.
7
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
and remember his trouble no more.
8
Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
10
A capable wife, who can find her?
She is more precious than jewels.
11
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14
She is like the ships of the merchants;
from far away she brings her food.
15
She rises while it is still night,
and provides food for her household,
and portions for her servant girls.
16
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17
She girds her loins with strength,
and makes her arms strong.
18
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable;
her lamp does not go out at night.
19
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers hold the spindle.
20
She opens her hand to the afflicted,
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22
She makes coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23
Her husband is known in the gates,
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and delivers sashes to the merchant.
25
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27
She watches over the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also praises her:
29
Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.
30
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.
31
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates!
👑🧵💪 Summary of Proverbs 31 – King Lemuel’s Counsel & the Picture of a Wise Woman
Proverbs 31 consists of two main parts:
- A mother’s counsel to her son, King Lemuel (verses 1–9)
- A poem about the “capable wife” or “wise woman” (verses 10–31)
This chapter describes just leadership and a life lived in integrity, hard work, love, and wisdom — for both men and women.
📌 1. Wise Counsel for the King (verses 1–9)
“What shall I say, my son?… do not give your strength to women…”
- Avoid lust and revelry — for these destroy a king
- A leader must be mindful of responsibility for social justice
- Defend the voice of the oppressed & the poor (verses 8–9)
🎯 True leadership begins with personal discipline and care for the weak.
📌 2. Who Is the Wise Woman? (verses 10–31)
“A capable wife, who can find her? She is more precious than jewels.”
Characteristics of the Wise Woman:
🔸 Faithful & trusted by her husband (verses 11–12)
🔸 Diligent & creative in her work (verses 13–19)
🔸 Generous & caring for the poor (verse 20)
🔸 Ready to face hard seasons (verse 21)
🔸 Clothed with strength & dignity (verse 25)
🔸 Her mouth is full of wisdom & kindness (verse 26)
🔸 She manages her household wisely (verse 27)
🎯 This figure is not only the ideal “housewife,” but the image of one who lives in the fear of the Lord — in every season and duty of life.
📖 Main Lessons
- A true leader guards himself, avoids evil, and upholds justice
- A life lived with integrity will be honored by family and society
- Wisdom and the fear of the Lord are more important than beauty or status
- A wise woman is a pillar of the household, society, and faith
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“Let women adorn themselves modestly and wisely…”
“Your adornment should not be outward… but the inner person…”
“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church…”
“Older women should… be an example to younger women…”
🎯 Proverbs 31 is a reflection of a life that bears fruit because of the fear of the Lord, whether as a leader or as a family member.
🕊️ “A capable wife is more precious than jewels.” – Proverbs 31:10
🕊️ “She opens her mouth with wisdom…” – Proverbs 31:26
🕊️ “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain…” – Proverbs 31:30
🕊️ “A woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
🕊️ “Open your mouth for the mute…” – Proverbs 31:8
