Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 31:1-9

"The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink? Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice [due] to any that is afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul: Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:1-9 (ASV)

When children are under their mother's supervision, she has an opportunity to shape their minds correctly. Those who are grown up should often recall the good teaching they received as children. The many dreadful examples of promising individuals who have been ruined by wicked women and the love of wine should warn everyone to avoid these evils.

Wine is to be used in times of need or as medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine, though it can be abused, has its use. By the same principle, appropriate praise and consolation should be offered as sources of comfort and encouragement to the dejected and tempted, not given to those who are confident and self-sufficient. All who are in authority should exercise even greater temperance than other people; and they should be protectors of those who are unable or afraid to plead their own cause.

Our blessed Lord did not decline the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow put into his hands; but he puts the cup of consolation into the hands of his people, and causes those to rejoice who are in the deepest distress.