Proverbs 31:3
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתֵּ֣ן
Give
H5414
תִּתֵּ֣ן
Give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
חֵילֶ֑ךָ
not thy strength
H2428
חֵילֶ֑ךָ
not thy strength
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
4 of 7
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וּ֝דְרָכֶ֗יךָ
nor thy ways
H1870
וּ֝דְרָכֶ֗יךָ
nor thy ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Nehemiah 13:26Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.Deuteronomy 17:17Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.1 Kings 11:1But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Historical Context
Solomon, despite his wisdom, was destroyed by his many wives and concubines who turned his heart from God (1 Kings 11:1-4). His father David's adultery with Bathsheba brought lasting consequences (2 Samuel 12:10-14).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you guarding against sexual temptation, especially if you hold positions of leadership?
- How have you seen sexual immorality destroy leaders and their effectiveness?
- What safeguards do you need to protect your integrity and calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lemuel's mother warns: 'Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.' The Hebrew 'chayil' (strength/substance) and 'derek' (ways/paths) refer to energy and life direction. Sexual immorality has destroyed many rulers—think of David, Solomon, and countless others. Reformed theology recognizes sexual sin's particular destructiveness to leaders. Those in authority face unique temptations and their falls have greater consequences. This counsel warns future kings against allowing sexual indulgence to undermine their calling.