Psalms 31
Proverbs 31 is divided into two special parts. The first part (verses 1–9), the instruction given by King Lemuel’s mother to her son encourages the king to adopt the right attitude in life and to rule justly. The second part (verses 10–31) is a poem (詩) about a capable wife, describing in detail what a wise and diligent life looks like.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. In you, LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.
2verseBow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
3verseFor you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
4versePluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.
5verseInto your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
6verseI hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD.
7verseI will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.
8verseYou have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.
9verseHave mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.
10verseFor my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.
11verseBecause of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, a horror to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
12verseI am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.
13verseFor I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.
14verseBut I trust in you, LORD. I said, “You are my God.”
15verseMy times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16verseMake your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.
17verseLet me not be disappointed, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
18verseLet the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.
19verseOh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men!
20verseIn the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.
21versePraise be to the LORD, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.
22verseAs for me, I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.
23verseOh love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly.
24verseBe strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.
The Instruction for King Lemuel (Verses 1–9)
- This section is recorded in the form of King Lemuel’s mother speaking to her son, emphasizing the morality and self-control required of those in power, as well as just judgments for the vulnerable.
- In particular, it urges him to stay away from alcohol and indulgence, stand with those who are suffering, and put justice into practice.
The Image of a Capable Wife (Verses 10–31)
- Verses 10–31 form an acrostic poem (詩) made up of 22 verses, showing the “capable wife” through various virtues and practices of life.
- It praises how she faithfully carries out her responsibilities in the home and in society, as well as in economic activity, and how she is trusted by her family and neighbors.
- Rather than focusing on outward beauty, it emphasizes that “fear of the LORD is true value.”
The Flow and Meaning of the Entire Chapter
Proverbs 31, which serves as the conclusion of the whole book, shows that a wise life ultimately means not only benefiting oneself, but humbling oneself and serving others, and doing one’s best with the roles one has been given. This is wisdom for living that applies to everyone—whether you are a male leader or a woman in everyday life.
Points for Meditation
- When I have been given strength, am I acting justly on behalf of the weak?
- In my life and relationships, is truthfulness, diligence, and selfless love being revealed?
- Think about how “praise for those who fear the LORD” can be shown in my life.
Try Applying It to Me
- In the place where my life is, I resolve to be faithful again and again in the roles and work I am responsible for—at work, in my home, and within my community.
- With a heart that fears God (the LORD), I look forward to a day in which I reflect on the people around me and my family, and practice mercy and love.
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