ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Proverbs 31

Prov. 31:1–9 The Sayings of King Lemuel. The word translated “oracle” (v. 1) is the same as in 30:1. As in 30:1, some have preferred to see it as the name for a place called Massa (see note on 30:1–33). No one knows who Lemuel was, or where he was king. Most suppose that he was not an Israelite (which is consistent with the Aramaic spellings for son in 31:2 and kings in v. 3b, and with the absence of Yahweh’s name from all the sayings). Verses 2–9 describe the ideal human king: he is judicious personally (vv. 3–4) so that he may protect others through justice (vv. 5, 9) and compassion (vv. 6–8). This description runs contrary to ordinary experience, where power is often used to benefit the leader rather than those being led. If Lemuel was a ruler from outside Israel, then these verses underscore Proverbs’ teaching that all rulers are called upon to rule justly and are judged accordingly (compare Lady Wisdom’s comments in 8:14–16).

Prov. 31:4–5 Kings should serve the well-being of their subjects, especially protecting the rights of all the afflicted. They must never allow their judgment to be clouded by wine or strong drink.

Prov. 31:6–7 The strong drink would help those in bitter distress to forget their poverty. This is often taken to mean that the king should provide strong drink to those who are perishing or in misery, to relieve their physical pain. But it could also mean that the king should invite these people to a banquet where they can have some innocent fun and forget their troubles for a while.

Prov. 31:10–31 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the esv footnote to v. 10 explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic. Each successive verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman’s “excellence” (vv. 10, 29–31). The probable intention of putting this in an acrostic pattern is to show that this woman’s character runs the whole range of excellence. The woman is married, and she is devoted to the well-being of her household (vv. 11–13, 15, 17, 19, 21–22, 25, 27). She contributes financially to her family (vv. 14, 16, 18, 24). At the same time she makes her home the center of ministry by giving generously to the poor (v. 20) and by instructing her children and household workers in true kindness (v. 26). Her husband and children enjoy their lives and honor her for her industry (vv. 11–12, 23, 28–29). This portrait of excellence sets such a high standard that it can be depressing to godly women today until its purpose is understood. First, the woman embodies wisdom in all areas of life. This shows that the teaching of Proverbs is intended for all of God’s people. Second, this profile is an ideal. It is not expected that any one woman will look exactly like this in every way. Rather, it is an example of full-scale virtue and wisdom toward which the faithful are willing to be molded.

Prov. 31:15 By providing for her household and her maidens before the day begins, the “excellent wife” (v. 10) multiplies the effectiveness of her work. Her planning enables everyone else in her household to be productive throughout the day. She does not lie in bed and wait for servants to attend to her.

Prov. 31:16 She is not confined to the home but is engaged in business. This verse demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman in the ancient world. She herself considers a field (indicating wise judgment) and buys it (indicating control of a substantial amount of money).

Prov. 31:18 Profitable indicates that she is able to make money from her labor, which she uses to purchase a field (v. 16) and provide for her household (v. 15).

Prov. 31:23 Gates were the center of civic and economic life in an Israelite city. The leading men gathered there. The wife’s excellent work and noble character have contributed significantly to her husband’s success and reputation when he sits among the elders of the land.

Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are so much a part of her character and conduct that they seem to be almost like her clothing. She laughs at the future, in contrast with being worried or fearful about it.

Prov. 31:26 The wisdom that God teaches in Proverbs can be well understood by both men and women (compare note on 1:8).

Prov. 31:28–29 In a loving family, the members value each other. Here the children and husband offer their praise. Verse 29 gives the words of the husband, or perhaps of both husband and children.

Prov. 31:30 The mention of a woman who fears the Lord at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs stated in 1:7 (see note). It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord. She is a model of the character traits and wisdom taught throughout the book. Inserting “fear of the Lord” at the end of this list is a reminder that this quality is more important than even great skill and talent. A godly woman may well have skill and beauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.

Prov. 31:31 The wife’s works are known and appreciated in the gates (compare v. 23), and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her hands means that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.