What does Proverbs 31:3 mean?

Other proverbs warn about the dangers of lust, adultery, and distraction (Proverbs 6:24–25, 32; 23:27; 25:28). In this passage, a mother (Proverbs 30:1–2) provides advice to her son. That begins with a caution about the dangers of inappropriate relationships. The warning given here is not to "give [one's] strength to women." In this context, that means not making desires or distractions a weakness or expending excessive time and energy pursuing them.

This is not an idle threat, by any means. Lemuel's mother notes that this exact mistake has ruined kingships. David's involvement with Bathsheba brought pain and misery to the rest of his life (2 Samuel 12:9–10). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31) added only idolatry and corruption (1 Kings 21:7–10). Even Solomon, who recorded so much biblical wisdom, was pulled away through his weakness for women (1 Kings 11:1–4). Human history overflows with examples of kings, emperors, rulers, and politicians ruined by adultery and "weakness" for sexuality. Many others have failed due to other vices, such as greed or a lust for power.

In the following lesson (Proverbs 31:4), Lemuel's mother will refer to drunkenness. Just as addiction to sex makes a leader weak and vulnerable, so too does dependence on alcohol or other substances. The result of those distractions is a ruler who fails to properly protect the rights of the weak (Proverbs 31:5).