Proverbs 31:3
What does Proverbs 31:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 31:3 means
King Lemuel’s mother warns him against squandering his vital energy and personal integrity on immoral relationships. The phrase "give not thy strength unto women" speaks to the draining and destructive nature of promiscuity, especially for a king whose strength is needed for governing. Engaging in "ways to that which destroyeth kings" clearly refers to involvement with women who would lead him astray, weakening his character, judgment, and ultimately his kingdom. This counsel emphasizes the critical link between personal purity and effective leadership.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Give not to women thy strength, And thy ways to wiping away of kings.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Give not thy substance to women, and thy riches to destroy kings.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to them that destroy kings.
Context
Building on the tender address in verse 2, this verse delivers the first specific warning to King Lemuel. It immediately tackles a significant moral pitfall for rulers—sexual immorality. This warning then flows directly into the next admonition in verses 4-5, which addresses another common temptation for those in power: the misuse of strong drink.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 5:9
Lest thou give thine honor unto others, And thy years unto the cruel;
- Proverbs 7:26
For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, all her slain are a mighty host.
- Hosea 4:11
Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the understanding.
- Deuteronomy 17:17
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
- 1 Kings 11:1
Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites;
- Nehemiah 13:26
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, and he was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin.
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