INTRODUCTION: King Lemuel wrote the last chapter of Proverbs but he credits his mother with the wisdom contained in his words. Whereas most of Proverbs deals with a father speaking to his son, this chapter contains a mother’s wisdom that she gives to her son. Mostly, she deals with the danger of alcohol and the need for a virtuous woman.

1. THE DANGER OF STRONG DRINK (Proverbs 31:1-9 [1] The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. [2] What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? [3] Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: [5] Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. [8] Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. [9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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1. The Wisdom of This Chapter (Proverbs 31:1-2 [1] The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. [2] What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
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1. The words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
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2. The prophecy that his mother taught him (Proverbs 31:1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
   See All...): NOTE: a mother has great power to influence her children; consider the influence that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had on him (2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
   See All...; 2 Timothy 3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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3. Given to her son (Proverbs 31:2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
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1. Her own son – “my son”
2. Her physical child – “the son of my womb”
3. Her chosen child – “the son of my vows”; she had made vows to Lemuel’s father in marriage, but she had also likely made vows to God concerning her son and his upbringing. Compare Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
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2. Common Dangers for Kings (Proverbs 31:3-4 [3] Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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1. That they would give their strength to women (Proverbs 31:3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
   See All...; Deuteronomy 17:17Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
   See All...; 1 Kings 11:1-8 [1] But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: [2] Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. [3] And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. [4] For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. [5] For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. [6] And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. [7] Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. [8] And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
   See All...; Nehemiah 13:26Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
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2. That they would give their ways to destruction (Proverbs 31:3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
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3. That they would give themselves to drink (Proverbs 31:4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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3. The Warnings Against Strong Drink (Proverbs 31:5-7 [5] Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
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1. Destroys the rule of kings and princes (Proverbs 31:5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
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1. Causes them to forget the law
2. Causes them to pervert judgment
2. Fit only for those who are losers (Proverbs 31:6-7 [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
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1. The recipients (Proverbs 31:6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
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1. Those ready to perish
2. Those with heavy heart
2. The benefits (Proverbs 31:7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
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1. He will forget his poverty
2. He will forget his misery
3. NOTE: Christians are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
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4. The Righteous Use of the Tongue (Proverbs 31:8-9 [8] Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. [9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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1. To speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
   See All...); consider Esther in Esther 4:13-16 [13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. [14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? [15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, [16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
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2. To plead the cause of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
   See All...; Psalm 82:3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
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2. THE VALUE OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN (Proverbs 31:10-31 [10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. [12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. [13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. [14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. [15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. [16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. [17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. [18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. [19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. [20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. [24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. [25] Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. [26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. [27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. [28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. [29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. [30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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1. Her Purity (Proverbs 31:10-11 [10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
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1. She is virtuous (Proverbs 31:10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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1. Ruth (Ruth 3:11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
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2. A crown to her husband (Proverbs 12:4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
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2. She is valuable (Proverbs 31:10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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1. Like the faithful man, she is hard to find (Proverbs 20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
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2. Like wisdom, she is more valuable than rubies (Proverbs 8:11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
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3. She is vigilant (Proverbs 31:11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
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1. Her husband trusts in her (1 Peter 3:1-4 [1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; [2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. [3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; [4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
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2. Her husband depends on her; having no need for spoil
2. Her Loyalty (Proverbs 31:12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
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1. She does good for her husband (Proverbs 31:12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
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2. She increases the influence of her husband (Proverbs 31:23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
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3. Her Industry (Proverbs 31:13-19 [13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. [14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. [15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. [16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. [17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. [18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. [19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
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1. She is a master buyer
1. Buying wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
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2. Buying food for her family (Proverbs 31:14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
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3. Buying a field (Proverbs 31:16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
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2. She is an accomplished craftsman
1. Working the wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
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1. Spindle: used to twist fibers into thread
2. Distaff: the staff on which the wool or flax is wound
2. Planting and reaping a vineyard (Proverbs 31:16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
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3. Making good merchandise like candles (Proverbs 31:18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
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3. She cares for those in her household
1. Giving meat to her household (Proverbs 31:15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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2. Looking well to the ways of her household (Proverbs 31:27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
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4. She diligently accomplishes her work
1. Rising while it is yet night (Proverbs 31:15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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2. Girding her loins with strength (Proverbs 31:17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
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3. Eating not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
   See All...; see 1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
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4. Her Economy (Proverbs 31:14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
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1. In purchasing and working flax and wool (Proverbs 31:14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
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2. In purchasing and providing food (Proverbs 31:16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
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3. In making merchandise, probably to be sold (Proverbs 31:18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
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4. In clothing her house well (Proverbs 31:21-22 [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
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5. In running a home business (Proverbs 31:24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
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5. Her Charity (Proverbs 31:20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
   See All...; Romans 16:1-2 [1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: [2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
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1. Stretching out her hands to the poor
2. Reaching forth her hands to the needy
6. Her Dignity (Proverbs 31:25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
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1. Clothed with strength
2. Clothed with honor
3. Preparing for the time to come
7. Her Courtesy (Proverbs 31:26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
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1. Speaking with wisdom (James 3:13-18 [13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. [14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. [15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
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2. Speaking with kindness
8. Her Testimony (Proverbs 31:28-29 [28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. [29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
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1. Her children rise up and bless her (Proverbs 31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
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2. Her husband rises up and praises her (Proverbs 31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
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3. She excels the daughters of virtue (Proverbs 31:29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
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4. Her own works praise her in the gates (Proverbs 31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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9. Her Sanctity (Proverbs 31:30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
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1. She ignores the deceitfulness of favor
2. She ignores the vanity of beauty (Proverbs 11:22As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
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3. She exalts the fear of the Lord
4. She receives praise for her wise choice