Some scholars believe Proverbs 31 was written by King Solomon under the name of Lemuel.

The author talks favourably about the advice given to him by his mother when he was a child, how she almost pleads with him not to forsake his life and future by giving in to debauchery, indulging in women, wine and beer. Kings and rulers cannot be just and fulfil their decrees by acting in this way. Let those who wallow in their pitiful lives of poverty be consoled by wine and beer. Kings and rulers speak up for the lost and oppressed and defend the rights of the destitute and isolated.

King Lemuel continues with his concept of the ‘ideal wife.’ A lady of noble qualities of which no amount of riches and precious gems can compare. Lemuel sees this stereotype of his perfect wife as all things beautiful, kind, just, generous and a wise teacher. A personification of the perfect woman for Israel. She is a woman deeply committed to caring for the needs of others, she is shrewd in business and sets about her work with vigour. She clothes herself in righteousness and has no fear of providing for family and market merchants. She pays wise council and does not take an idle approach to the affairs of her domain. She is praised by her husband and children because she is a woman who fears the Lord earnestly. She is to be honoured for all her works and service.

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Questions:

Lemuel received this wise council from his mother when he was a child but why do you think it was necessary for him to hear this life lesson?). Why do you think King Lemuel wrote Proverbs 31?). King Lemuel’s stereotype of his perfect woman also reflects the image created of Lady Wisdom herself. Why was this imagery so indicative of Israeli women of the age?

Prayer:

Lord bless us with a desire to be a blessing to others. Anoint us with wisdom for life and grant that we might be true to You always. Amen.