Proverbs 31:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:3

“Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.”

Proverbs 31:3 Meaning of the Bible Verse

Proverbs 31:3 is a warning and admonition to men, advising them not to waste their energy and resources on relationships with immoral women or those who have the potential to bring about their downfall. This verse encourages men to be discerning in their choices and to prioritize their efforts on more important matters.

Proverbs 31:3 Commentary and Explanation

Proverbs 31:3 provides a warning and wisdom from King Solomon, urging men not to spend their strength and vigor on women who can lead them astray and bring about their downfall. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder for men to exercise discernment in their relationships and prioritize wisely.

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and seeking godly wisdom. In Proverbs 7, Solomon recounts the story of a naive young man who is enticed by an immoral woman, leading to his destruction. This cautionary tale illustrates the consequences of being lured into relationships that are not grounded in godly principles.

In the context of Proverbs 31:3, the emphasis is on preserving one’s strength and vigor for noble pursuits rather than being drained by unhealthy relationships. As believers, we are called to use our energy and resources to honor God and fulfill our responsibilities rather than being tied down by counterproductive relationships.

This verse also highlights the potential dangers of relationships that can ruin kings. Throughout the Bible, we see various examples of kings who were led astray by improper relationships. King Solomon himself, known for his wisdom, was eventually led astray by his many wives who worshipped foreign gods (1 Kings 11:1-4). This led to the downfall of his reign and the division of the kingdom.

In light of this warning, the apostle Paul also provides guidance for believers in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, urging them not to be yoked together with unbelievers. While this passage specifically refers to the idea of marriage, it can also be applied to other intimate relationships. Paul emphasizes the importance of being in relationships with those who share our faith and values, as a mismatched partnership can lead to conflicts and compromises.

To further understand the importance of wise choices in relationships, we can look to the book of Proverbs as a whole. Proverbs 13:20 states, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This verse emphasizes the influence that our relationships have on our character and choices. When we surround ourselves with wise and godly individuals, we are more likely to make wise decisions ourselves.

In contrast, Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” This verse reminds us that our own understanding and desires can lead us astray if we do not seek God’s guidance and wisdom. It is essential to align our choices with God’s principles and seek relationships that bring us closer to Him rather than leading us away from Him.

Overall, Proverbs 31:3 serves as a timely reminder for men (and all believers) to be discerning in their relationships. It cautions against investing excessive time, energy, and resources on relationships that do not align with God’s principles and values. By making wise choices in our relationships, we safeguard our well-being, reputation, and spiritual walk. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to honor God in all aspects of our lives and seek His wisdom above all else.

Also Read: Genesis 22 Meaning and Commentary

Context of Proverbs 31:3

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise teachings and advice written primarily by King Solomon. It is intended to provide practical wisdom for daily living and covers various topics, including relationships, finances, work ethics, and decision-making.

In Proverbs 31, Solomon writes about an excellent wife or woman of noble character. Verse 3 stands out as a warning to men to be cautious and discerning in their relationships so as not to jeopardize their positions of authority and influence.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 31:3

Let’s break down the key parts of Proverbs 31:3 for a clearer understanding:

“Do not spend your strength on women”: This phrase refers to not wasting one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual energy on relationships that do not align with God’s principles and values.

“Your vigor on those who ruin kings”: The verse warns against investing time and resources on women who have the potential to bring about ruin, both personally and in positions of leadership or authority.

Lessons From Proverbs 31:3

There are several lessons we can draw from Proverbs 31:3:

Exercise discernment: This verse reminds us to be discerning in our relationships, choosing to invest our time, energy, and resources in those that align with God’s principles and honor our commitments.
Prioritize wisely: It is important to prioritize our efforts and focus on important matters rather than being distracted by temporary pleasures and potentially destructive relationships.
Guard your heart: This verse encourages us to be cautious and protect our hearts from being entangled in unhealthy and harmful relationships.
Stay faithful to God: By being discerning in our relationships, we can remain faithful to God and avoid compromising our beliefs and values.

Biblical Translations of Proverbs 31:3

Proverbs 31:3 King James Version (KJV)

“Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.”

Proverbs 31:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

“Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.”

Proverbs 31:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.”

Proverbs 31:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.”

Proverbs 31:3 Revised Standard Version (RSV)