311 The words of King Lemuel , the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What , O my son ? And what , O son of my womb ? And what , O son of my vows ? 3 Do not give your strength to women , Or your ways to that which destroys kings . 4 It is not for kings , O Lemuel , It is not for kings to drink wine , Or for rulers to desire strong drink , 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed , And pervert the rights of all the afflicted . 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing , And wine to him whose life is bitter . 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty And remember his trouble no more . 8 Open your mouth for the mute , For the rights of all the unfortunate e . 9 Open your mouth , judge righteously , And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 31:1-9
Commentary on Proverbs 31:1-9
(Read Proverbs 31:1-9)
When children are under the mother's eye, she has an opportunity of fashioning their minds aright. Those who are grown up, should often call to mind the good teaching they received when children. The many awful instances of promising characters who have been ruined by vile women, and love of wine, should warn every one to avoid these evils. Wine is to be used for want or medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine, though abused, has its use. By the same rule, due praise and consolation should be used as cordials to the dejected and tempted, not administered to the confident and self-sufficient. All in authority should be more carefully temperate even than other men; and 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.