Proverbs 31:1-9·~1 min

The Sayings for King Lemuel

Lemuel's mother's burden begins with an intimate appeal to her son and warns him not to squander his strength on women or cloud his judgment with drink. Kings must remain clearheaded because intoxication and indulgence make rulers forget justice and distort their responsibility to those depending on them.

T¹hese are the words of King Lemuel — the burden that his mother taught him: ²What shall I say, O my son? ³Do not spend your strength on women ⁴It is not for kings, O Lemuel, ⁵lest they drink and forget what is decreed,

The sayings then distinguish the king's calling from those in despair, for the ruler's place is not escapist comfort but vocal defense of the voiceless. Lemuel is told to open his mouth, judge righteously, and uphold the rights of the poor and needy.

⁶Give strong drink to one who is perishing, ⁷Let him drink and forget his poverty, ⁸Open your mouth for those with no voice, ⁹Open your mouth, judge righteously,

Section summaryKing Lemuel receives his mother's urgent counsel about the temptations that can ruin rulers and about the duty of using authority for the powerless. The section warns against self-indulgence and calls the king to clear judgment and outspoken justice.

Role in the chapterThis opening section places royal wisdom in the context of moral restraint and advocacy for the vulnerable.