The wise words laid out for us in Proverbs 31 have been providing believers a pathway to living a righteous and noble life for quite some time now. But what is the real meaning behind these beautifully poetic words?
Who wrote it and why? Let’s discover the meaning behind this well-known, and beloved passage tucked within the middle of God’s Word and see how we can apply it to our lives today.
Who Wrote It?
First, it may be important to know who wrote it. The author of such writings usually has a purpose for their words, and we see that in King Lemuel’s writing.
Although King Lemuel is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, we know that he loved God and longed to honor Him through his fatherly actions. Lemuel here also means “devoted to God.”
However, it may be worth noting that there are several scholars who believe that King Lemuel was a pen name and that, in fact, it was King Solomon who wrote Proverbs 31.
Since the words are inspired by “the king’s” mother, it is possible that the one dispensing the wisdom would be no other than the breathtaking beauty of Bathsheba.
Honestly, that would be fitting since she is a woman that is both intriguing and bewildering. She suffered great loss yet also knew a little something about redemption. God also choose her to be the mother of Solomon, who was included in the genealogy of Jesus.
That being said, she probably would have some words to contribute to her son. Her story would also be a true testament to how to live (and not live) according to God’s Law.
Either way, the writer makes a point to share counsel and offer insight on how to live a purpose-filled life that glorifies our God.
Who Was it Written For?
The king’s writings were meant for his son. His mother gave sage advice that he wished to share and pass down to his son and henceforth pass along to the next generation.
If we look at Proverbs 31, we see that it is broken up into two main sections. Yet, it is often the second part (verses 10-31) that is most often quoted, referred to, and sadly taken out of context in today’s culture and even within the walls of our churches and congregations.
Proverbs 31:10-31 denotes “the wife of noble character.” This long list of qualities has been touching the hearts of women, especially those that are wives or soon-to-be blushing brides, but it actually wasn’t written for them. We will address this momentarily.
The target audience for this Proverb was men, noble men of rank. As already mentioned, this was written for King Lemuel’s son, hoping to guide him to live a life that was prosperous, creating within him the ability to lead well while also pleasing to God.
This Proverb was also used to enlighten the king’s son in choosing a woman of high regard for his wife. Therefore, rejoicing over her and encouraging her to be the woman God is calling her to be.
So, while both men and women can learn valuable nuggets of truth from the poetic words offered in this lovely passage, it was originally intended for men, kings, to be precise.
The Meaning Behind Proverbs 1-9
The first nine verses are directed to Lemuel’s son offering wisdom on how to live a moral life.
In the beginning, you hear the king plead with his son to listen to his wisdom and answer his prayers (Proverbs 31:2). Sounds like any good parent, right? Aren’t we all just praying and hoping our children heed our instructions and learn from our mistakes?
Then, the king jumps right into a warning to stay away from women that could temp him and dishonor his name (Proverbs 31:3).
Of course, we will see the complete contradiction to this later on in verses 10-31, but it’s interesting that this is stated upfront.
It’s as if to say, a partner in this life can bring about peace or disruption, especially for a king. What a valuable lesson in choosing a mate in this life.
Continuing on, we see that there is another warning given in Proverbs 31:4-7. This verse warns of the dangers of excess alcohol and that with intoxication comes foolishness and impaired judgment.
Then Proverbs 8-9 closes this first section by giving the king’s son a call to action. The notion here is that a wise king speaks up for the defenseless and craves justice by standing up for the poor, weak, and needy.
The Meaning Behind Proverbs 10-31
The Wife of Noble Character
These last 22 verses point out the qualities of a virtuous wife. The part so many love, share and yearn to understand. There is a beautiful message painted for us here.
King Lemuel wanted to give his son the types of qualities a man of God should consider when choosing a wife.
While this was most likely advice given by Bathsheba to her son, it is also worth mentioning that women can look upon this list and see it as a source of guidance as well.
A tool, if you will, to direct them to live a righteous life that honors God with her ability to be a noble wife and mother.
In the very first verse, we see that a woman like this is not easy to find (Proverbs 31:10). She is precious and one to be held in high regard (Proverbs 10-11).
What qualities does this noble Proverbs 31 woman possess?
1. She is faithful and trustworthy (Proverbs 31:12).
2. She is a diligent worker (Proverbs 31:13-14).
3. She takes care of her family’s needs (Proverbs 31:15-16).
4. She is capable and strong (Proverbs 31:17-19).
5. She is generous and charitable (Proverbs 31:20).
6. She is fearless and prepared (Proverbs 31:21-22).
7. She is noticeably respected by others (Proverbs 31:23-24).
8. She is modest (Proverbs 31:25).
9. She is wise (Proverbs 31:26-27).
10. She is servant-hearted and provides for her family (Proverbs 31:28-31).
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate (Proverbs 31:29-31).
Wow! That’s a pretty long list. At first glance, it’s somewhat intimidating. It can lead any of us to feel incapable or unable to find a woman of such caliber. And you would be right.
That’s because the Proverbs 31 woman is not a real woman. She’s a godly example. Furthermore, the lady (meaning Bathsheba) that gave this advice had her own inner struggles, just like we all do. Meaning that we will all fall short.
So, maybe rather than seeing it as a checklist and qualities to obtain, we can use it as an opportunity to strive for and grow when we fail to meet these high expectations.
We can all use this as guidance when choosing a spouse and when searching for the ways we are called to live as husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers.
Why Is it So Popular?
Proverbs 31 is widely popular because it contains a straightforward summary of how young men and women can live a life that honors God. We see a life-changing message laid out for us in the teaching of a loving father to his son.
Men are called to lead and love well, while women are to tend to the needs of their family with gentleness and humility. Both can rejoice in the beautiful qualities they each possess and unify together to build a strong family unit.
This isn’t just a lesson for a king on how to reign over a kingdom and find a virtuous wife, but rather a depiction of a great model for us on how to live an abundant life.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for tucking this sweet passage in the middle of Your Word, painting a beautiful depiction of what it looks like for a man and woman to live a life that honors You.
While these qualities may feel intimidating and difficult to achieve, and we will indeed fail, we ask for Your forgiveness where we fall short.
In times when we go astray, give us the strength to use it as an opportunity to grow closer to You. We long to be the men and women You are calling us to be and want to listen and obey Your instruction.
We ask of these things in Your Precious Name.
Amen.
For further reading:
What Does it Mean to be a Proverbs 31 Woman?
Should Godly Women Laugh Without Fear of the Future?
What Does it Mean to Be a Wife of Noble Character?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/BongkarnThanyakij
