1 The Words of Lemuel The words ofThe identity of King Lemuel is uncertain; however, ancient Jewish tradition connects Lemuel with Solomon.King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:
2 What, O myThis chapter consists of two poetic sections. The first (vv 2-9) details the qualities needed to be a wise ruler, and the second (vv 10-31) the qualities describing an excellent wife.son?And what, O son of my womb?And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?
3 Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, norSee note Gen 22:24.concubines],Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,It is not for kings to drink wine,Or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5 Otherwise they drink and forget the lawandits decrees,And pervert the rightsandjustice of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away,And wine to him whose life is bitter.
7 Let him drink and forget his povertyAnd no longer remember his trouble.
8 Open your mouth for the mute,For the rights of all who are unfortunateanddefenseless;
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,And administer justice for the afflicted and needy.
10 Description of a Worthy Woman The following verses are written as an acrostic poem (each of the twenty-two verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet). Aside from the artistry, the acrostic structure also aided memorization.An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?Her value is more precious than jewelsandher worth is far above rubiesorpearls.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She comforts, encourages,anddoes him only good and not evilAll the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flaxAnd works with willing hands in delight.
14 She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];She brings her [household’s] food from far away.
15 She rises also while it is still nightAnd gives food to her householdAnd assigns tasks to her maids.
16 She considers a field before she buysoraccepts it [expanding her business prudently];With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17 She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]And makes her arms strong.
18 She sees that her gain is good;Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].
19 She stretches out her hands to theI.e. the staff that holds the textile fibers for spinning.distaff,And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
20 She opensandextends her hand to the poor,And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
21 She does not fear the snow for her household,For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].
22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions,andrugs of tapestry.Her clothing is linen, pureandfine, and purple [wool].
23 Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates,When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them;And supplies sashes to the merchants.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothingandher position is strong and secure;And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
26 She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
27 She looks well to how things go in her household,And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);Her husband also, and he praises her,saying,
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,andwell [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],The source of this remarkable woman’s success and competence is revealed in v 30, and it is a source available to everyone. She is wise because she understands and puts into practice the message contained in 9:10.But you excel them all.”
30 Charmandgrace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the L[reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the product of her hands,And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].