New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Proverbs 31
1
These are the sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught them to him. She spoke them as if they came from God.
Reference
People
4
"Lemuel, it isn't good for kings to drink wine. It isn't good for rulers to long for beer.
Reference
5
If they do, they might drink and forget what the law commands. They might take away the rights of all those who are beaten down.
Reference
Parallel theme
Habakkuk 2:5
7
Let them drink and forget how poor they are. Let them forget their suffering.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ephesians 5:18
8
"Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.
9
Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for the rights of those who are poor and needy."
Reference
Judgment
Isaiah 1:17
Isaiah 1:23
Proverbs 20:8
Parallel theme
Job 29:12
Righteousness
Leviticus 19:15
Deuteronomy 1:16
Jeremiah 22:3
Jeremiah 23:5
Daniel 4:27
Proverbs 16:12
11
Her husband trusts her completely. She gives him all the important things he needs.
12
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
14
She is like the ships of traders. She brings her food from far away.
15
She gets up while it is still dark. She provides food for her family. She also gives some to her female servants.
Reference
16
She considers a field and buys it. She uses some of the money she earns to plant a vineyard.
Reference
18
She sees that her trading earns a lot of money. Her lamp doesn't go out at night.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Thessalonians 2:9
19
With one hand she holds the wool. With the other she spins the thread.
20
She opens her arms to those who are poor. She reaches out her hands to those who are needy.
Reference
21
When it snows, she's not afraid for her family. All of them are dressed in the finest clothes.
Reference
Parallel theme
Genesis 45:22
23
Her husband is respected at the city gate. There he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
Reference
24
She makes linen clothes and sells them. She supplies belts to the traders.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ezekiel 27:16
25
She puts on strength and honor as if they were her clothes. She can laugh at the days that are coming.
Reference
28
Her children stand up and call her blessed. Her husband also rises up, and he praises her.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Kings 2:19
29
He says, "Many women do noble things. But you are better than all the others."
Reference
Parallel theme
Ephesians 5:27
30
Charm can fool you. Beauty fades. But a woman who has respect for the Lord should be praised.
Reference
Parallel theme
Proverbs 11:22
1 Peter 1:24
Proverbs 6:25
References Lord
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 8:13
Psalm 147:11
Luke 1:6
Resurrection
1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Peter 1:7
2 Samuel 14:25
Summary of Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31 brings the book to its conclusion by presenting a picture of wisdom expressed through responsible leadership, strong character, productive work, compassion, and reverence for God.
The chapter begins with a mother giving serious advice to her son, King Lemuel.
Her concern is not simply that he become successful.
She wants him to become the kind of ruler who can use his authority wisely.
She warns him about anything that could weaken his judgment, particularly uncontrolled relationships and excessive drinking.
A ruler who cannot control himself cannot properly serve the people who depend on him.
The mother's greatest concern is therefore justice.
The king is told to speak for people who cannot defend themselves and to protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable.
Leadership is presented as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
A ruler's position gives him greater power, but that power also creates a greater obligation to use it fairly.
The chapter then shifts from the king to one of the most detailed descriptions of a wise woman in the Bible.
This woman is not presented as passive or dependent.
She is active, capable, hardworking, intelligent, economically responsible, generous, and spiritually grounded.
Her husband trusts her because she has consistently demonstrated that she can be relied upon.
She manages household resources, produces goods, evaluates opportunities, works with textiles, participates in trade, and makes decisions that strengthen the family's financial security.
Her work is not limited to the home in a narrow sense.
She interacts with the economy around her.
She purchases land, establishes a vineyard, produces clothing, sells goods, and deals with merchants.
The description therefore presents her as someone who understands both household responsibility and economic opportunity.
At the same time, her productivity is not driven purely by personal gain.
She remembers people who are poor and reaches out to those who need help.
Her success gives her an opportunity to be generous.
This is an important part of the chapter's picture of wisdom: having resources is not the final goal; using those resources well is.
She also prepares carefully for the future.
When winter comes, her household is ready because she has planned ahead.
She does not wait until a problem appears before responding to it.
Her wisdom is visible in preparation, organization, and consistent attention to responsibilities.
The chapter also emphasizes her words.
She speaks wisdom and teaches kindness.
Her influence therefore extends beyond the physical work she performs.
She shapes the people around her through what she says and the example she provides.
Her strength is both practical and moral.
The respect she receives from her husband and children is especially significant.
Her value is not merely measured by the amount of work she completes or the money she produces.
The people closest to her recognize the quality of her character.
This leads to the chapter's central conclusion.
Physical beauty and personal charm are temporary.
They may attract attention, but they do not determine the lasting value of a person.
The quality that ultimately matters is the fear of the LORD.
This connects Proverbs 31 directly with the central theme of the entire book of Proverbs.
Wisdom begins with a right relationship with God and then becomes visible through everyday behavior.
The woman described in this chapter does not demonstrate wisdom only through religious words.
She demonstrates it through work, planning, generosity, speech, family relationships, financial decisions, preparation, and service to others.
The chapter therefore gives a broad picture of what a mature and responsible life can look like.
It also shows that wisdom is not limited to one particular role.
The opening section describes a wise ruler who protects the vulnerable and judges fairly.
The second section describes a wise woman who strengthens her household and community through her abilities and character.
Both examples have something in common: they use their position and abilities to benefit others rather than simply themselves.
The chapter closes with public recognition of her work.
She does not have to demand praise.
Her actions have already demonstrated her value.
Her family knows it, her community can see it, and the results of her work speak for themselves.
Proverbs 31 therefore ends the book with a powerful picture of wisdom becoming visible in real life.
It is not merely knowledge.
It is character put into action.
It means leading fairly, working faithfully, planning wisely, speaking kindly, helping people in need, caring for one's household, accepting responsibility, and keeping God at the center of life.
The overall message of Proverbs 31 is that true wisdom is measured not by appearance, status, or possessions, but by the way a person uses strength, resources, influence, and abilities to build something good and lasting.
And the final foundation of that wisdom is the fear of the LORD.
The chapter begins with a mother giving serious advice to her son, King Lemuel.
Her concern is not simply that he become successful.
She wants him to become the kind of ruler who can use his authority wisely.
She warns him about anything that could weaken his judgment, particularly uncontrolled relationships and excessive drinking.
A ruler who cannot control himself cannot properly serve the people who depend on him.
The mother's greatest concern is therefore justice.
The king is told to speak for people who cannot defend themselves and to protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable.
Leadership is presented as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
A ruler's position gives him greater power, but that power also creates a greater obligation to use it fairly.
The chapter then shifts from the king to one of the most detailed descriptions of a wise woman in the Bible.
This woman is not presented as passive or dependent.
She is active, capable, hardworking, intelligent, economically responsible, generous, and spiritually grounded.
Her husband trusts her because she has consistently demonstrated that she can be relied upon.
She manages household resources, produces goods, evaluates opportunities, works with textiles, participates in trade, and makes decisions that strengthen the family's financial security.
Her work is not limited to the home in a narrow sense.
She interacts with the economy around her.
She purchases land, establishes a vineyard, produces clothing, sells goods, and deals with merchants.
The description therefore presents her as someone who understands both household responsibility and economic opportunity.
At the same time, her productivity is not driven purely by personal gain.
She remembers people who are poor and reaches out to those who need help.
Her success gives her an opportunity to be generous.
This is an important part of the chapter's picture of wisdom: having resources is not the final goal; using those resources well is.
She also prepares carefully for the future.
When winter comes, her household is ready because she has planned ahead.
She does not wait until a problem appears before responding to it.
Her wisdom is visible in preparation, organization, and consistent attention to responsibilities.
The chapter also emphasizes her words.
She speaks wisdom and teaches kindness.
Her influence therefore extends beyond the physical work she performs.
She shapes the people around her through what she says and the example she provides.
Her strength is both practical and moral.
The respect she receives from her husband and children is especially significant.
Her value is not merely measured by the amount of work she completes or the money she produces.
The people closest to her recognize the quality of her character.
This leads to the chapter's central conclusion.
Physical beauty and personal charm are temporary.
They may attract attention, but they do not determine the lasting value of a person.
The quality that ultimately matters is the fear of the LORD.
This connects Proverbs 31 directly with the central theme of the entire book of Proverbs.
Wisdom begins with a right relationship with God and then becomes visible through everyday behavior.
The woman described in this chapter does not demonstrate wisdom only through religious words.
She demonstrates it through work, planning, generosity, speech, family relationships, financial decisions, preparation, and service to others.
The chapter therefore gives a broad picture of what a mature and responsible life can look like.
It also shows that wisdom is not limited to one particular role.
The opening section describes a wise ruler who protects the vulnerable and judges fairly.
The second section describes a wise woman who strengthens her household and community through her abilities and character.
Both examples have something in common: they use their position and abilities to benefit others rather than simply themselves.
The chapter closes with public recognition of her work.
She does not have to demand praise.
Her actions have already demonstrated her value.
Her family knows it, her community can see it, and the results of her work speak for themselves.
Proverbs 31 therefore ends the book with a powerful picture of wisdom becoming visible in real life.
It is not merely knowledge.
It is character put into action.
It means leading fairly, working faithfully, planning wisely, speaking kindly, helping people in need, caring for one's household, accepting responsibility, and keeping God at the center of life.
The overall message of Proverbs 31 is that true wisdom is measured not by appearance, status, or possessions, but by the way a person uses strength, resources, influence, and abilities to build something good and lasting.
And the final foundation of that wisdom is the fear of the LORD.