Proverbs 31 Commentary

The last chapter of The Book of Proverbs is best known for its description of The Virtuous Wife, which begins in verse 10.

The prior nine verses contain words from a mother to her son. The mother is unnamed and the son is King Lemuel, of whom we have no extra-biblical historical information.

Lemuel's mother is primarily concerned with her son's ability to steward his life well. She warns about temptations like promiscuity and drunkenness. She implores him to stand up for those less fortunate and to speak for those unable to speak for themselves.

Then she tells him about the virtuous wife. Lemuel's mother sees the importance of her son partnering with someone of noble character. In twenty-two verses (each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet), the mother describes this excellent wife—what does she do? What is her focus, her priorities? How is her work ethic? What impact does she have on her family and the community?

The excellent wife works hard and elevates those around her. She is the personification of Lady Wisdom (described in chapter 8). If The Book of Proverbs is about encouraging people (especially young men) to choose a path of wisdom, this final piece is about choosing to partner with a woman who has also chosen the wise path. This makes clear that the instructions of Proverbs are applicable to all.

Implicit throughout is the idea that the virtuous wife pairs with a virtuous husband. Lemuel's mother is describing the excellent wife so that Lemuel will look for a woman of the kind of character described, and to be worthy of her when she is found. It is inferred that the woman should do likewise for a husband of noble character.