Commentaire par chapitre
Proverbs Chapitre 31
1
Pr 31:1-31.
2
Sans titre
2. What, my son?--that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb--as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows--as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3
Sans titre
3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength--mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways--or course of life.
to that . . . kings--literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare
Pr 5:9; 7:22, 27; Ho 4:11).
4
Sans titre
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare
Pr 20:1; 22:29).
pervert . . . afflicted--They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6
Sans titre
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (compare
Ps 104:15).
8
Sans titre
8, 9. Open . . . cause--Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (compare
Ps 72:12; Isa 1:17).
appointed to destruction--who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (compare
Pr 29:14, 16).
10
Sans titre
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare
Introduction
to Poetical Books).
Who . . . woman--The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare
Pr 18:22; 19:14).
virtuous--literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare
Pr 12:4; Ru 3:11).
her price, &c.--(compare
Pr 3:15).
11
Sans titre
11. heart . . . trust in her--He relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil--does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war.
12
Sans titre
12. do . . . good--contribute good to him.
13
Sans titre
13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.
15
Sans titre
15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;
16
Sans titre
16. and hence has means to purchase property.
17
Sans titre
17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare
Pr 24:20)
is not short lived.
19
Sans titre
19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.
20
Sans titre
20. Industry enables her to be charitable.
21
Sans titre
21. scarlet--or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.
22
Sans titre
22. coverings of tapestry--or, "coverlets," that is, for beds.
silk--or, "linen" (compare
Ex 26:1; 27:9)
and purple--that is, the most costly goods.
23
Sans titre
23. in the gates--(compare
Pr 22:22).
His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.
24
Sans titre
24. fine linen--or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.
girdles--were often costly and highly valued
(2Sa 18:11).
delivereth--or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."
25
Sans titre
25. Strength and honour--Strong and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice . . . come--in confidence of certain maintenance.
26
Sans titre
26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.
27
Sans titre
27. (Compare
1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:5).
She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control.
28
Sans titre
28. She is honored by those who best know her.
29
Sans titre
29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.
virtuously--(Compare
Pr 31:10).
30
Sans titre
30. Favour--or, "Grace" of personal manner.
beauty--of face, or form (compare
Pr 11:22).
True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection
(1Pe 3:3).
31
Sans titre
31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.
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Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)
Send Addenda, Corrigenda, and Sententiae to the editor
Pr 31:1-31.
1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see
Introduction.
prophecy--(See on
Pr 30:1).