The book of Proverbs is filled with words of wisdom, in many instances provided from parent to child. Solomon called upon his son to "...hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother..." (1:8), and again, "..receive my words, and treasure my commands within you..." (2:1), and yet again, "...do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands..." (3:1). Words of this nature continue through the book.
When we come to Proverbs 31, we find the words of king Lemuel, as he shares the instruction which his mother had taught him. It has been thought by some that Lemuel (lit. belonging to God,) is Solomon. Though the name is nowhere else applied to him, it is plausible that he is the writer of the text. It may be that Lemuel is used more as a description than a name, and perhaps is related to the vow which his mother speaks of (31:2). If Solomon is the king under consideration, then his mother, from whom the instruction came, was Bathsheba. We cannot know for certain, but it is an interesting thought, especially given the first admonition given, "...do not give your strength to women..."
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Proverbs 31:1-9
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflected. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wint to those whoa re bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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BE CAREFUL OF WOMEN AND VICES
Love for women has been the downfall of many, and so the king is warned against this by his mother. Recall, Samson's love for women and the troubles it brought upon him (Judges 14:1-2, 15-20; 16:1, 4-21). It was David's lust for Bathsheba which would eventually lead to manifold distresses in his house for years to come (2 Samuel 11; 12:7-12). Solomon also "...loved many foreign women...", and "...when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods..." (1 Kings 11:1-8).
A number of vices exist which would destroy a king, indeed, any of us. Harlotry, greed, pride, alcohol, etc.. The king is cautioned to refrain from such things. And then given more pointed instruction in the subsequent verses about the dangers of alcohol.
IT IS NOT FOR KINGS TO DRINK
Elsewhere, wine and strong drink are referred to as "...a mocker..." and "...a brawler..." (Proverbs 20:1) They bring no good for the user, nor for those who surround him.
The king needed to approach his duties with a sober mind, able to reason and govern with justice and mercy. Alcohol dulls the senses, and enfeebles the mind. By it justice is perverted and mercy is forsaken. Alcohol is suited to those who are "perishing" and are "bitter of heart", who are in "poverty" and "misery" (31:6-7).
OPEN YOUR MOUTH
Those who are in positions of power and authority have the responsibility to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. For the one who cannot plead his own case, plead his case for him (Psalm 72:12; Isaiah 1:17). For the one who has been unjustly appointed to die, speak up and defend.
In the midst of Solomon's "To everything there is a season..." discourse, we read, "...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak..." (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Friend, we must be able to determine which is which. When is it appropriate to remain silent, for to speak would be the course of the foolish. Those who are wise know when they ought to remain silent (Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 17:28; 23:9), but also are ready to speak when it is time to speak (Proverbs 16:13; 22:11; 23:16).
Friend, may we hear and put into practice the words of Lemuel's mother, for she shared wisdom with her son; wisdom that has been recorded, that even you and I today might benefit from her thoughts. Let us refrain from the temptations of life through which we will be overcome and brought low. May we not number ourselves among those whom women and wine are a comfort to, but understand the destruction that follows. May we learn to use our voice to defend those who have been mistreated, seeking to lift up the hands that have fallen, and be a source of encouragement to those about us.
Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
To whom did Jesus make his first post-resurrection appearance? The two Marys (Matthew 28:1,9), Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-14), Cleopas and another (Luke 24:13-31), or Cephas (1 Corinthians 14:4-5). Is there a contradiction?
