Proverbs 31:1 - Forerunner Commentary

Proverbs 31:1

1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

2 What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, ^ason of my vows?

3 ^aDo not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways ^bto that which destroys kings.

4 ^aIt is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

5 ^aLest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all¹ the afflicted.

6 ^aGive strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

8 ^aOpen your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are¹ appointed to die.

9 Open your mouth, ^ajudge righteously,
And ^bplead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 ^aWho¹ can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.

Verse Comparison: Proverbs 31:1

American Standard Version
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

Amplified® Bible
THE WORDS of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:

Contemporary English Version
These are the sayings that King Lemuel of Massa was taught by his mother.

Darby English Version
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him:

Good News Bible
These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:

King James Version
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

New American Standard Bible
The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:

New International Version
The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:

New King James Version
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:

Revised Standard Version
The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him:

Young's Literal Translation
Words of Lemuel a king, a declaration that his mother taught him:

New English Translation
The words of King Lemuel,¹ an oracle² that his mother taught him: