PROVERBS CHAPTER 31.
The Proverbs of Lemuel.
OF PROPER KINGLY DEPORTMENT. — V. 1. The words of King Lemuel, concerning whom nothing is otherwise known, the prophecy that his mother taught him, the words of instruction in the form of proverbial sayings which she imparted to him. V. 2. What, my son! an impassioned exclamation addressed to her son to keep him from choosing ways of evil. And what, the son of my womb! the expression being intended to show the depth of the true mother’s attachment. And what, the son of my vows! the mother regarding her son as one dedicated to the Lord from his birth. Having thus given evidence of her loving interest, the mother of Lemuel added some specific admonitions.
V. 3. Give not thy strength unto women, in a life of luxury, dissipation, and immorality, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings, to the women who ruin kings by leading them into licentiousness.