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).
Proverbs 31:1–9 contains several teachings echoed previously in this book. The wisdom is related by King Lemuel, as told to him by his mother. This is not the first time a mother's teaching has been mentioned (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; 30:17). The counsel is a good setup for the rest of the chapter, which is an acrostic poem celebrating the virtues of a wise, industrious, godly wife and mother.
This final chapter fits well with the rest of the book of Proverbs. It reiterates subjects found elsewhere in these lessons. Of note is that the entire chapter is connected to godly women. Topics include the importance of godly parenting, morality, righteous treatment of the needy, justice, and diligence. The first section are the words of King Lemuel's mother. The last is the famous depiction of an "excellent wife," exhibiting ideal traits of diligence, godliness, and competence. That description is arranged as acrostic poem: each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
