Chapter 31
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Overview
The final chapter of Proverbs contains the words of King Lemuel, taught to him by his mother, warning against women and wine and urging him to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. The chapter then presents the famous acrostic poem describing the virtuous woman — a wife of noble character whose worth is far above rubies. She is industrious, generous, wise, strong, and feared by her household and community. The chapter closes by declaring that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.
Key Themes
The Virtuous Woman's Industry and Strength
The virtuous woman works willingly with her hands, rises while it is yet night, plants a vineyard, girds her loins with strength, and her candle does not go out — she is a portrait of tireless, joyful productivity.
Wisdom and Kindness on Her Tongue
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness — her speech is marked by both substance and grace, reflecting the wisdom of the book as a whole.
The Fear of the Lord as True Beauty
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised — the ultimate measure of a woman's worth is her relationship with God, not outward appearance.
Study Questions
How does the virtuous woman's portrait challenge both ancient and modern stereotypes about the role and dignity of women?
What does it mean that 'her price is far above rubies' (v. 10)? How does this redefine value in a culture obsessed with external beauty?
How does the description of her strength — 'she girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms' (v. 17) — present a holistic picture of feminine excellence?
Why does the poem conclude with the statement 'a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised' (v. 30)? How does this tie together the entire book of Proverbs?
How does King Lemuel's mother's instruction to 'open thy mouth for the dumb' and 'plead the cause of the poor and needy' (vv. 8-9) connect to the broader biblical call for justice?
Connection to Christ
The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is often seen as a picture of the bride of Christ, the church, clothed in strength and honor, laboring faithfully, and fearing the Lord. Just as this woman's husband safely trusts in her, Christ entrusts His mission to His church. And the fear of the Lord that crowns her praise is the same reverent devotion that every believer offers to Christ, the Bridegroom who gave Himself for His bride.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Proverbs 31. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?