How many of you have read Proverbs 31 and thought King Lemuel was writing about his mother? But that’s not actually what happened in this chapter. Two people are speaking here. The King’s mother and her husband. This mother is sharing with her son what qualities to look for in a wife. First she begins with a warning to him about intoxication and the dangers of not always having a clear mind to govern. She instructs him to speak up for those who aren’t able to speak for themselves. Verses 1-9. Then she proceeds to teach him the attributes and characteristics of a virtuous woman, and what separates her from everyone else. If he would listen to the instructions of his mother he would be able to identify her. Verse 10-27. His mother's husband chimes in adding these words.
“Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” V29 then the mother continues speaking to the King, warning him against falling for charm or external beauty.
All the King did was record the words of his mother. A godly mother looks out for the well-being of all her children. Whether you’re married or single, it’s our responsibility as parents to give sound godly advice to our sons and daughters. Especially before they begin dating. There is no better time than the present. Use this proverb as a reference for your conversations on dating. It applies to both males and females. Virtue isn’t discriminatory. These things were important to me as I prepared my daughter for her transition and it was just as important to me when I spoke with Dennis. We have no idea who this king is. There’s speculation that it may be Solomon using an alias, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this person recorded his mother’s wise instructions, and God the Holy Spirit decided that it should be included as the Last chapter in the proverbs known as the book of wisdom.
We’re blessed to have been invited to follow her instructions. If we are wise every parent will teach these virtues to our sons and daughters early on in their young adult lives. This isn’t exclusively Christian, it’s just good advice period! Most of us don’t know what to look for in a friend let alone a partner. Proverbs 31 is a great place to start. Are you that virtuous man or woman? Then you’ll make a great husband or wife and eventually parents to a generation that will rise up and call you blessed. Let’s read this mother’s words. King Lemuel was one blessed son as was her husband who found her. Have you found your virtuous wife or husband? Then speak well of her/him. Have you been blessed by virtuous parents? Praise Jesus for bringing you to them, don’t take it for granted that you’re in a good stable home. Let’s read together.
“King Lemuel’s royal words of wisdom: These are the inspired words my mother taught me. Listen, my dear son, son of my womb. You are the answer to my prayers, my son. So keep yourself sexually pure from the promiscuous, wayward woman. Don’t waste the strength of your anointing on those who ruin kings— you’ll live to regret it! For you are a king, Lemuel, and it’s never fitting for a king to be drunk on wine or for rulers to crave alcohol. For when they drink they forget justice and ignore the rights of those in need, those who depend on them for leadership. Strong drink is given to the terminally ill, who are suffering at the brink of death. Wine is for those in depression in order to drown their sorrows. Let them drink and forget their poverty and misery. But you are to be a king who speaks up on behalf of the disenfranchised and pleads for the legal rights of the defenseless and those who are dying. Be a righteous king, judging on behalf of the poor and interceding for those most in need. Who could ever find a wife like this one — she is a woman of strength and mighty valor! She’s full of wealth and wisdom. The price paid for her was greater than many jewels. Her husband has entrusted his heart to her, for she brings him the rich spoils of victory. All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil. She searches out continually to possess that which is pure and righteous. She delights in the work of her hands. She gives out revelation-truth to feed others. She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies from the merchant. Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for hungry ones in her house and for others. She sets her heart upon a field and takes it as her own. She labors there to plant the living vines. She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works. She tastes and experiences a better substance, and her shining light will not be extinguished, no matter how dark the night. She stretches out her hands to help the needy and she lays hold of the wheels of government. She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor, for she always reaches out her hands to those in need. She is not afraid of tribulation, for all her household is covered in the dual garments of righteousness and grace. Her clothing is beautifully knit together — a purple gown of exquisite linen. Her husband is famous and admired by all, sitting as the venerable judge of his people. Even her works of righteousness she does for the benefit of her enemies. Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have. Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues, and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms. “There are many valiant and noble ones, but you have ascended above them all!” Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”
Proverbs 31:1-31 TPT
If you didn’t do it God’s way in your own life, then please make the effort to do it for your children. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how. I did. It was the best decision I’ve ever made besides receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and King. Break the cycle of promiscuity, bad marriages, poor choices and single parent homes. Take godly advice and trust the Holy Spirit. He knows how to make the bitter sweet, redeem lost years, and give beauty for ashes. If your kids are grown but willing to listen, speak with them about these principles. If you have grandchildren sow into them as well. Ask for wisdom to do what you cannot. He gives it liberally to those who ask.
Pause and reflect in His presence.🙏
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
January 13, 2022