Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 31
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Proverbs 31
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Proverbs 31
"The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him." — Proverbs 31:1 (ASV)
APPENDIX (b).
The words of king Lemuel...—More probably this should be translated, "The words of Lemuel, king of Massâ". (See above on Proverbs 30:1.) "Lemuel," which most likely signifies (dedicated) "to God," has been, like Agur, supposed to be a designation of Solomon, but with no good reason.
The prophecy that his mother taught him—Mothers were looked upon with great veneration in the East. (Proverbs 6:20.) The mothers of kings especially were treated with marked respect, receiving the title of "queen-mother". (Compare 1 Kings 2:19; 1 Kings 15:13.) This seems to be the reason why the mothers of Jewish kings are so constantly mentioned, e.g., 1 Kings 14:31; 1 Kings 15:2; 2 Kings 12:1. At the present time the mother of the Khedive ranks before his principal wife.
"What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?" — Proverbs 31:2 (ASV)
What, my son?— that is, what shall I say? The question, thrice repeated, shows her extreme anxiety to give good advice to this son, who was tender, and only beloved in the sight of his mother.
The son of my vows. —Perhaps given, like Samuel, in answer to her prayers and vows.
"Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings." — Proverbs 31:3 (ASV)
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. —A slight change in the punctuation will give a better sense, “to those that destroy kings,” i.e., women. Do not give your life to dissipation at their bidding. (Compare to Proverbs 6:24 and following; 1 Kings 11:1).
"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)
It is not for kings to drink wine. —Another of the temptations of kings. (Compare to 1 Kings 16:9; 1 Kings 20:16; Ecclesiastes 10:17.) Perversion of justice as the result of revelry is also noted by Isaiah (Isaiah 5:22–23). Compare to St. Paul’s advice to use this world so as not abusing, or rather using it to the full (1 Corinthians 7:31).
"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:" — Proverbs 31:6 (ASV)
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish. — For this is not waste, but an advantageous use of God’s gift. (Compare to Saint Paul’s advice, 1 Timothy 5:23.) It was out of a merciful remembrance of this passage that the pious ladies of Jerusalem used to provide a medicated drink for criminals condemned to be crucified, in order to deaden their pain. This was offered to our Lord (Matthew 27:34), but He would not drink it, as He wished to keep His mind clear to the last, and was willing to drink to the dregs the cup which His Father had given Him.
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