Proverbs 31: Of Moms And Wives

It is perhaps fitting that a book dedicated to wisdom ends with advice from a mother and an ode to a wife.

Chapter 31 of Proverbs is ascribed to King Lemuel.  The name literally means "belonging to El" (El being a Hebrew word for God.)  That's really all we know about Lemuel.  Some scholars speculate this was another name for Solomon.  If so, verses 2-9 would be from his mother, whom we know to be Bathsheba.

Whether the words of wisdom are from Bathsheba or not, we find in them a strong bent toward abstinence.  Alcoholic consumption is discouraged for kings and rulers.  The danger of drunken kings is too great - "or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted" (vs. 5).  Instead the drinking of alcohol is appropriate for those who are poor or perishing, to help them forget the troubles of their miserable lives.

Lemuel's mother is also concerned for social justice and urges her son the king to do his part for righteousness: "Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.  Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" (vs. 8-9).

The remainder of this final chapter is a paean to a wife of noble or capable character.  Such a wife brings her husband good rather than harm.  She is industrious, able to manage the household, bring in income, and thriftily serve the needs of the family.

For a culture in which women were not generally valued or afforded many rights, it's gratifying to see Proverbs 31 give tribute to wives who are responsible for being the source of a great blessing to their families.  Once again, these words remain true - no matter what millennia we live in!