Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 31
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 31
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 31
"The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him." — Proverbs 31:1 (ASV)
That his mother taught him — Compare Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 6:20. If we refer the chapter to Israelite authorship, we may remember the honor paid to the wisdom of Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah; if it was the honor paid to an Edomite or an Arabian, we may think of the Queen of Sheba, whose love of Wisdom led her to sit at the feet of the son of David.
"What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?" — Proverbs 31:2 (ASV)
The repetitions are emphatic; expressive of anxious love.
Son of my vows - Like Samuel, and Samson, the child often asked for in prayer, the prayer ratified by a vow of dedication. The name Lemuel (literally “for God,” consecrated to Him) may be the expression of that dedication; and the warning against indulging in wine (Proverbs 31:4) shows that it had something of the Nazarite or Rechabite idea in it.
"Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings." — Proverbs 31:3 (ASV)
To that which destroyeth - The temptations of the harem were then, as now, the curse of all Eastern kingdoms.
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink?" — Proverbs 31:4 (ASV)
Some read: "nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?" The "strong drink" (Proverbs 20:1) was distilled from barley, or honey, or dates.
"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:" — Proverbs 31:6 (ASV)
The true purpose of the power of wine over a person’s mind and body is as a restorative and remedial agent. Compare the marginal reference (found in the original source). This same thought showed itself in the Jewish practice of giving a cup of wine to mourners and (as in the history of the crucifixion) to criminals at their execution.
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