The closing “oracle” (NIV “inspired utterance”) is ascribed to King Lemuel (whose name means “belonging to God”), who simply passes on what his mother has taught him (31:1). Like chapter 30, Proverbs 31:1–9 clearly belongs to this oracle, while the remaining verses of the chapter could constitute an independent section, although lacking a new title/author ascription. Whereas in Proverbs 1–9 King Solomon admonishes his “son(s)” to acquire and practice wisdom, in Proverbs 31 the queen mother lovingly but strongly admo…