We have had the benefit from studying the ‘father to son’ proverbs, but here we have the benefit of studying some of the ‘mother to son’ proverbs.
We know nothing about Lemuel except he was an unknown king who wrote the words his mother taught him. Some of the early Jewish rabbis identified Lemuel with Solomon. Other scholars believe he was Hezekiah or even an anonymous Arabian prince.
Some also suggest that the name Lemuel is another name for Solomon, but we do not know for sure. We do know that the name Lemuel means ‘belonging to God’ or ‘dedicated to God.’
Listen and listen again seems to be a continual call, are we listening? is the question. She lets him know that 1. He matters to her and 2. She vowed him to God. The strength given to women is both physical and financial.
History shows us that adultery ruins kings, Napoleon, etc. it is possible that this refers to the commonly large harem such as the one that destroyed Solomon, 1 Kings 11:1.
An intemperate man is ill-fitted to hold the reins of government. Only God could know the tremendous and widespread damage alcohol has caused when influencing a man of power. Alcohol is considered to have its uses, not as an intoxicating beverage but for medicinal purposes, Matthew 27:34 / 1 Timothy 5:23.
People should never use alcohol to forget their problems, it simply causes a diversion, it takes their minds away from their problems and doesn’t deal with those problems.
Lemuel is simply saying that a king must have justice and equity in his kingdom.
It is a mistake to think that all of these attributes could be found in one woman, but this is the ideal. In Hebrew, each verse begins with the appropriate letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Her husband knows that she is more than capable, she is strong and therefore valuable, which makes her rare like rubies. Her husband trusts her because she has earned his trust.
She has her husband’s good in view constantly, recommending his kindness through her good deeds. She likes to work and enjoys what she does. It wasn’t that long ago when women were taught to hate ‘hard work’ and they stayed at home in the enslaving atmosphere of the housewife.
She was a businesswoman which could imply that she had a good aptitude for business in which she was not afraid to go out to obtain those things she requires. She is self-motivated and stays busy. Her eye is always open to business opportunities, especially in real estate.
She takes care of her own strength and health by useful labour and exercise, avoiding that which might ensnare or weaken. When her goods are selling, she works into the night to maintain production.
She is interested in those outside her own household.
Scarlet is a symbol of quality, Acts 16:14. Her other activities do not prevent her from caring for the needs at home. Her most repeated quality is her care for her household, Titus 2:4-5.
Often a husband’s public image depends upon his wife. Some scholars think this is because she dresses her husband well. One of the best reputations a man can have is to be known as the husband of a good wife. As long as a husband has an industrious wife, there is no need to worry about the future.
Notice that when she talks, people listen! She is alert to the needs of her family. She knows that idleness leads to vice. Therefore, she is energetic in meeting her family’s needs.
This is the reward for being a virtuous woman. I wonder how many children today say these kinds of words to their mothers?
Deceptive means to be vain, when we get older, we understand that we don’t keep the beauty we once had when we were younger. Charm and beauty are deceitful in the sense that they do not reveal the true person and are fleeting.
The real worth of a woman is her devotion to God. Such a woman endowed with the virtues outlined in this poem deserves praise.
She is no slave to a master husband, but a person in her own right who takes and fulfils an honoured place in the life of the home and her community. While all of this is good, the key is her fearing the Lord!
The Proverbs start and finish with this crucial concept, Proverbs 1:7.
The Book of Proverbs is very challenging, to say the least, especially when it comes to putting them into practice, but they are given that we may live our lives in such a way which pleases God.
It’s clear that the authors, Solomon, Agur and Lemuel knew exactly what they were talking about and want us to learn from their mistakes.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."