Proverbs 31:3 net — Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings.

NET Bible

"Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings."

— Proverbs 31:3, NET Bible

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Proverbs 31:3 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 31 — Context

1

The Words of Lemuel The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

2

O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

3

Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings.

4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

5

lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights.

6

Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;

Proverbs 31:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 31:3 say?
Proverbs 31:3 in the NET Bible reads: “Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings.”
Where is Proverbs 31:3 in the Bible?
Proverbs 31:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 31, verse 3.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 31:3.
What translation should I read Proverbs 31:3 in?
Proverbs 31:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 31:3?
Proverbs 31:3 reads (NET): “Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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