잠언 Chapter 31

Translation: ESV

1

The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

Key Message

A mother's role in wisdom education is significant; even a king learns wisdom for governance from his mother's teaching.

▸Chapter 31 begins with the instruction that a king's mother taught her royal son.

Chapter 31 begins with the instruction that a king's mother taught her royal son. This is a unique example in Proverbs of a mother's wisdom appearing directly. The role of a mother in educating a king is highlighted, affirming the role of women in transmitting wisdom.

Related Verses

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
8

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Key Message

A leader's power exists for the weak who cannot voice their own cause, and opening one's mouth on their behalf is true leadership.

▸This is the mission of social justice given to a king.

10

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Key Message

The excellent woman is not simply a submissive homemaker but a whole person of wisdom, capability, and goodness; her value is more precious than any jewel.

▸Proverbs 31:10-31 is a Hebrew acrostic poem about the 'excellent wife,' which forms the magnificent conclusion of Proverbs.

20

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Key Message

A wise life does not remain within the home but includes the responsible love of reaching out toward the socially vulnerable.

▸This is the social dimension of the excellent woman.

26

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Key Message

The excellent woman's speech is a combination of wisdom and love, and she is also a teacher.

▸When the excellent woman speaks, it is wisdom, and her teaching is the law of kindness.

30

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Key Message

Outward beauty is fleeting, but a life that fears the LORD is the basis of true praise and value. This is the conclusion of all of Proverbs.

▸This is the final conclusion of Proverbs.

31

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Key Message

The fruit of a life lived wisely ultimately returns as the recognition and praise of the community. This is the completion of the wise life as Proverbs envisions it.

▸This is the final verse of Proverbs.