John Gill Commentary Proverbs 31:3

"Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings." — Proverbs 31:3 (ASV)

Give not your strength unto women
Strength of body, which is weakened by an excessive use of venery ^F2 with a multiplicity of women; see, (Proverbs 5:9) ; and strength of mind, reason, and wisdom, which is impaired by conversation with such persons; whereby time is consumed and lost, which should be spent in the improvement of knowledge: or "your riches", as the Septuagint and Arabic versions, your substance, which harlots devour, and who bring a man to a piece of bread, as the prodigal was, (Proverbs 6:26) (Luke 15:30) ; and even drain the coffers of kings and princes;

nor your ways to that which destroyeth kings ;
do not give your mind to take such courses, and pursue such ways and methods, as bring ruin on kings and kingdoms, as conversation with harlots does; see (Proverbs 7:26) . Some think the design of this advice is to warn against any ambitious views of enlarging his dominions by invading neighbouring countries, and making war with neighbouring kings, to the ruin of them; but the former sense seems best. The Targum is, ``nor your ways to the daughters of kings.''

Solomon was given to women, who proved very pernicious to him, (1 Kings 11:1–5) . Some render it, "which destroyeth counsel" ^F3 ; for whoredom weakens the mind as well as the body.

---

FOOTNOTES:

• F2: "Venus enervat vireis", Avienus.
• F3: Don Joseph apud Schindler. col. 990.