This is the last chapter of Proverbs. In this proverb, King Lemuel shares a wise saying from his mother regarding a virtuous wife. Here’s the proverb in its entirety: “These are the sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him.
O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my promises, do not spend your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. (Yes, Lord! If any of us drink, help us remain sober. And for those of us who don’t, thank you for expelling the desire.)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. (Yes!!! Let us never sit silent when there is injustice!)
A Wife of Noble Character
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship; she brings her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes. She quilts her own bedspreads. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.
Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council meeting with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sachers to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” (Proverbs 31) (Yes, Lord, the qualities of a virtuous woman are qualities we all, men and women, would like to have. Help us, Lord, be virtuous in all of our ways.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us strive to be the partners you want us to be for one another. Help us honor our partners with virtuous, morally excellent, behavior. And Lord, thank you for allowing us to complete another book of your amazing Word. Help us apply all of Proverbs teaching to our daily lives. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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