“It is important to the purpose of this invaluable chapter that one realizes that it is first of all intended for young men! It is the mother’s God-given task to provide youth with this information directly from its inspired source, letting them grow up with it in their conscience.” Amplified Bible Notes
Proverbs 31:1, “The words of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him.”
“THE PROVERBS 31 MAN – KING OF HIS CASTLE”
Pamela Fishel
Quotes in italics from the “Critical and Explanatory Commentary, Vol. I”
1. When his mother talked – he listened, v. 1.
2. Even if she repeated herself, v. 2.
3. He heeds “warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence,” v. 3.
4. He does not use stimulants because they “enfeeble reason, and pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections… (to not) …give unrighteous decisions against the poor,” v. 4, 5.
5. He gives stimulants for medicinal purposes only, v. 6, 7.
6. He “pleads for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger…who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors,” v. 8, 9.
7. He realizes a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman is rare, but he keeps looking until he finds her because he recognizes she is more valuable than rubies or pearls, v. 10.
8. He “relies on her prudence and skill – does not lack profit or gain,” v. 11.
9. He lets her comfort, encourage and “contribute good to him,” v. 12.
10. He lets her make things to sell – “the fabrics were articles of merchandise,” v. 13, 14.
11. He is not concerned about her shopping because “she diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth; and hence has means to purchase property. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote her prosperity is not short-lived,” v. 15-18.
12. He does not tell her some project is too much work for he knows her “industry enables her to be charitable,” v. 19, 20.
13. He does not tell her to buy the cheapest clothing for he knows the “scarlet or purple, by reason of the dyes used, (are) the best fabrics, as a matter of taste also, (and) the colour suits cold,” v. 21.
14. He trusts her to furnish their home with goods she has created or “purple – i.e. the most costly goods” because he knows she will find a bargain and stay on budget, v. 22.
15. He never says or does anything to demote “his advancement in public dignity,” v. 23.
16. He does not discourage her from making items that are practical, “linen shirt”…“costly and highly valued (girdles),”…whether they are “a present or to sell,” v. 24.
17. He never worries about her wardrobe for he knows she will always dress “for moral character, vigourous and honourable,” v. 25.
18. He listens when she talks for he knows “Her conversation is wise and gentle,” v. 26.
19. He does not micro-manage her because he knows, “She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control,” v. 27.
20. He brags about her “virtuousness and grace”… (not her) “face or form”…”showing permanent respect and affection,” for “She is honored by those who best know her,” v. 28-30.
21. He does not take her profits or take credit for her work, v. 31.
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