Chapter Summary
Proverbs 31 closes the book with two distinct sections. The first, verses 1 through 9, contains the instruction of a queen mother to her son King Lemuel: avoid what will destroy you, avoid alcohol that will cloud your judgment, and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The second section, verses 10 through 31, is the famous Proverbs 31 woman, an acrostic poem in Hebrew. She is industrious, generous, wise, strong, dignified, and God-fearing. She provides for her household, invests in property, and speaks with wisdom and kindness.
Verse 30 is the chapter's key: charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. After cataloging all of this woman's impressive qualities, Solomon anchors it all in one place: her relationship with God.
Related Bible Story
Luke 1:46 to 55 · New Testament
Mary's Song: The Magnificat
A woman who feared the LORD above all things
Connection to Proverbs 31
Mary is Proverbs 31:30 made flesh. She was not chosen for her social position or beauty or charm. She was chosen because God saw in her a heart that feared and trusted him completely. Verse 25 says she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Mary faced the days to come with exactly this dignity.