June 14, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill\u00a0wisdom\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is\u00a0generally<\/em> true in principle, not a\u00a0universally\u00a0<\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The author of Proverbs 31 is identified as King Lemuel. We do not know who this king was, but his words reveal a great respect and appreciation for his mother and his wife. While he receives the wisdom his mother taught him, and admires the character of his wife, the qualities cited can be characteristics seen in any<\/em><\/strong>person seeking the heart of God. This means that the example of the \u201cProverbs 31 woman\u201d is one that you should seek to put into practice too men!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king\u2019s mother gave him three things to practice. First, she warned him against using his authority and power to engage in immorality or to seek the demise of other kings. Secondly, she warned him of the dangers of drunkenness and the inherent risks of trying to rule under the influence of strong drink and the harm and suffering he could cause. Thirdly, she urged him to always come to the aid of those who are suffering or oppressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king praises his wife and her noble character. He considers her to be a virtuous woman of excellence who has his heart and deepest trust. She is wise, discreet, industrious, supportive of her husband and cares deeply about his good reputation. She not only rises early to serve her husband and family, but also those who attend to her needs. She has a healthy self-respect and is admired by those who know her. Every day she models a life worthy of imitation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n