Reading
SAA Notes
The epilogue of Proverbs is on the subject of the wife of noble character. This is to parallel the contrast in the prologue of wisdom and the foolish wife. Our deeds, our living reveals whether our faith is real or counterfeit.
SJA Notes
“The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:”
Here is a king learning from his mother, his mum.
Lemuel’s mum tells him to be careful with drinking. A king needs his wits about him, because what is important are the rights of those afflicted.
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Because this is what a godly mum does. She continues to encourage and exhort her children even once they have stepped out into their own separate lives.
Lemuel opens with his mother’s wisdom because, it seems pretty clear, she was an EXCELLENT WIFE.
Growing up, in his formative years, Lemuel sees his mum being an excellent wife.
Lemuel sees that his mum is far more precious than jewels. To his dad, but also to the kids – To the family as a whole.
Lemuel sees that his mum is GOOD for his dad, all their days!
Lemul’s mum is diligent and hard-working, perceptive and savvy.
But deeper, she is other-centered and full of God’s grace and mercy.
“She opens her hand to the poor and reached out her hands to the needy.”
Lemuel sees that in all of this his mother feared the Lord – True religion in practice!
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
* Father God,
Thank You for this last passage in Proverbs. Thank You for this wisdom, real and important for us today.
Reminder us each day that the fear of You is worth more than appearance, more than what people think of us.
Amen.