What lessons can we learn from two women, the wisdom of Lemuel’s mother and her description of a virtuous wife? Let’s look at Proverbs 31.
Was Lemuel’s mother a very wise woman?
The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: (Pr 31:1 ESV)
Had Lemuel’s mother seen how Solomon’s sex addiction and multiple wives had destroyed him? Is there a difference between having one faithful wife, as God gave Adam, and a man who chases hundreds of women?
What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. (Pr 31:2-3 HCSB)
Is it good for a king to avoid alcohol? Should he be available at all times for decisions requiring a clear head? What about communion wine for a Christian king? Is there a balance?
It is not for kings, Lemuel—Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. (Pr 31:4-5 ISV)
Who is perfectly free to have a strong drink or glass of wine?
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. (Pr 31:6-7 KJV)
Should we fight for the handicapped, and desire justice for the suffering and the poor?
Open your mouth for the mute, For the justice of all those passing away. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And render justice to the afflicted and needy. (Pr 31:8-9 LSB)
Designed as an acrostic of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, what kind of high standards did Lemuel’s mother advise him to look for in a wife? Would she be worthy, capable, intelligent, noble, the perfect wife?
An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels. (Pr 31:10 NASB)
How valuable is it to have a wife that a man can completely trust that she will not overspend but wisely handle family finances?
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (Pr 31:11 NIV)
How important is it to have a wife who builds her husband up rather than constantly tear him down with criticism?
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. (Pr 31:12 NKJV)
Does the virtuous wife love to work with her hands in homemaking skills?
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. (Pr 31:13 NLT)
Does the good wife develop necessary skills for buying things from far away?
She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. (Pr 31:14 WEB)
Does the virtuous wife get up early to cook for the family and even for hired help?
She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants. (Pr 31:15 CEB)
Is this a woman under a domineering husband or free to evaluate a land purchase and grow a fruit crop?
She knows how to buy land and how to plant a vineyard, (Pr 31:16 CEV)
Is she a lazy woman too delicate for physical work or energetic and strong?
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (Pr 31:17 ESV)
Does the capable wife earn an income through her business efforts? Does she also work late?
She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. (Pr 31:18 HCSB)
Is this intelligent and noble wife also capable in the basics of garment making?
She works with her own hands on her clothes— her hands work the sewing spindle. (Pr 31:19 ISV)
Is this perfect wife also someone who cares for the poor and needy?
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (Pr 31:20 KJV)
Is the virtuous woman prepared for winter with appropriate clothing for her household?
She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Pr 31:21 LSB)
Is she also dressed appropriately, including occasional expensive clothing?
She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (Pr 31:22 NASB)
Because of the support given by such a virtuous woman, is her husband able to take a leading role in community affairs?
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. (Pr 31:23 NIV)
Is this amazing woman also competent to create her own clothing line and sell it?
She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. (Pr 31:24 NKJV)
With the support given by a loving husband, is this woman free to become strong and prepared for what may come?
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Pr 31:25 NLT)
Is this amazing woman valued for her wisdom and kindness?
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue. (Pr 31:26 WEB)
Is this excellent wife diligent in her family and business responsibilities?
She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness. (Pr 31:27 CEB)
Is this virtuous woman praised by both her children and her husband?
Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, “There are many good women, but you are the best!” (Pr 31:28-29 CEV)
Of all her qualities, which is the most important that any woman should have?
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Pr 31:30 ESV)
Will the excellent wife find praise in her labor that reaches even community leaders?
Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates. (Pr 31:31 HCSB)
Is there a spiritual lesson here as well, in picturing the Church as the Bride of Christ?
Let us rejoice, be glad, and give him glory, because the marriage of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. (Rev 19:7 ISV)
What lessons can we learn from two women, the wisdom of Lemuel’s mother and her description of a virtuous wife? You decide!
