Lemuel, like Agur, might have been from Massa (see study note on Proverbs 30:1). Lemuel’s mother teaches him to control his desires, especially for women and alcohol, so he can rule fairly.
Besides this passage, we know nothing about Lemuel.
1These are the words of King Lemuel—the burdenthat his mother taught him:
ⓘThe advice to avoid wasting energy on desire...
The advice to avoid wasting energy on desire for women repeats earlier warnings (Proverbs 5; 6:20–35; 7:1–27).
2What shall I say,† O my son?What, O son of my womb?What, O son of my vows?3Do not spend your strength on womenor your vigor on those who ruin kings.ⓘDrinking too much wine dulls the senses. A...
Drinking too much wine dulls the senses. A king needs to stay alert and should not drink too much alcohol.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine,or for rulers to crave strong drink,5lest they drink and forget what is decreed,depriving all the oppressed of justice.6Give strong drink to one who is perishing,and wine to the bitter in soul.7Let him drink and forget his poverty,and remember his misery no more.ⓘInstead of drinking wine (Proverbs 31:4–7), the king...
Instead of drinking wine (Proverbs 31:4–7), the king should defend those who cannot protect themselves.
8Open your mouth for those with no voice,for the cause of all the dispossessed.9Open your mouth, judge righteously,and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
The Virtues of a Noble Woman
ⓘWithout God's help, finding a virtuous and capable...
Without God's help, finding a virtuous and capable wife is impossible (Proverbs 18:22). Such a woman, like wisdom, is more precious than rubies (compare Proverbs 3:15).
ⓘProverbs concludes with a strong poem honoring the...
Proverbs concludes with a strong poem honoring the virtuous wife. The acrostic format makes it feel complete and helps students learn.
10A wife† of noble character, who can find?She is far more precious than rubies.11The heart of her husband trusts in her,and he lacks nothing of value.12She brings him good and not harmall the days of her life.ⓘThe wife works to provide food and clothing...
The wife works to provide food and clothing for her family.
13She selects wooland flaxand works with eager hands.14She is like the merchant ships,bringing her food from afar.15She rises while it is still nightto provide food for her householdand portions for her maidservants.ⓘAn excellent wife participates in business activities outside...
An excellent wife participates in business activities outside her home.
16She appraises a field and buys it;from her earnings she plants a vineyard.17She girds herself† with strengthand shows that her arms are strong.18She sees that her gain is good,and her lamp is not extinguished at night.ⓘA virtuous wife is generous to the poor,...
19She stretches out her hands to the distaffand grasps the spindle with her fingers.20She opens her arms to the poorand reaches out her hands to the needy.21When it snows, she has no fear for her household,for they are all clothed in scarlet.†ⓘA hardworking wife helps her husband stand out...
A hardworking wife helps her husband stand out among community leaders. In ancient Israel, civic leaders met at the city gates to hold trials and make decisions.
22She makes coverings for her bed;her clothing is fine linen andpurple.23Her husband is known at the city gates,where he sits among the elders of the land.24She makes linen garments and sells them;she delivers sashes to the merchants.ⓘThe noble wife shows wisdom. She stays calm...
The noble wife shows wisdom. She stays calm when facing the unknown. She offers advice in a charming way.
25Strength and honor are her clothing,and she can laugh at the days to come.26She opens her mouth with wisdom,and faithfulinstruction is on her tongue.27She watches over the affairs of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness.ⓘThe people who know the woman best speak...
The people who know the woman best speak about her character, skills, and accomplishments.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband praises her as well:29“Many daughters have done noble things,but you surpass them all!”ⓘThe book ends as it started, emphasizing the...
The book ends as it started, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord (see Proverbs 1:7). A woman's character matters more than her physical beauty.
30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,but a woman who fearsthe LORD is to be praised.31Give her the fruit of her hands,and let her works praise her at the gates.