Here we are at the end of our series, Wisdom Is Supreme. As the final chapter begins, we see the subtitle of Sayings of King Lemeul. Who’s King Lemeul? We don’t really know much about this king other than by his writings he had a wise mother who wrote poetry. Some scholars believe that he is King Solomon himself.
It was interesting to me that he begins writing the teachings, or oracles of his mother and then ends writing about the wife of noble character. Could he be talking about the same woman? We are not sure, but I think it’s fair to say that this king honored women, and so does King Jesus.
The entire chapter emphasizes the role and significance of wise women.
This queen mother was an influential figure, indeed.
Here’s what he shared, quoting his mother: “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.” Proverbs 31: 2
“It is not for kings, O Lemeul- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, let they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.” Proverbs 31: 4-5
Remember, kings had a history of having harems, many women.
This wise woman was instructing her son not to spend his strength on women and lavish drinking escapades with them.
In her counsel, she says this: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31: 8-9
I like her thinking and her wisdom! What is she concluding in these verses?
The king represents God as a defender of the poor and needy.
Then the writing shifts into this acrostic poem praising the wife of noble character who is her husband’s crown. He begins with a question and then concludes with a proclamation! Let’s dive in, verse by verse.
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it’s still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the rewards she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 10-31
Let’s highlight some attributes of a Proverbs 31 woman.
- This woman is the personification of wisdom.
- This woman of wisdom is more precious and worth more than beautiful jewels.
- This woman is confident and honored by her husband, who appreciates her value.
- This woman brings favor to her husband all the days of their life.
- This woman is consistent and faithful.
- This woman is hardworking with her hands.
- This woman gets up while it’s still dark and provides food for her family and her servants. AKA: She cooks and is a morning person!
- This woman is a businesswoman and shares her earnings.
- This woman is strong physically and works diligently.
- This woman sews and works those fingers. Is she Amish?
- This woman works through the night and completes what she began.
- This woman cares for the needs of her family and the poor.
- This woman extends her heart and hands to others in need.
- This woman blankets her family in wool when the weather is harsh and makes coverings for her bed.
- This woman is clothed in nobility and royalty.
- This woman brings respect to her man in the home, in the city and on his job.
- This woman has a merchant’s heart and provides supplies when needed.
- This woman is clothed with strength and dignity from the Lord.
- This woman laughs at herself and laughs when life becomes hard.
- This woman speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue.
- This woman is a wise and loving counselor.
- This woman is eager to work, watching over the affairs of her household and is not lazy.
- This woman serves but does not control.
- This woman is blessed and radiates love and joy to everyone.
- This woman knows and walks with God.
- This woman honors God and others and walks in humility and integrity.
- This woman will receive her reward, yet doesn’t seek one.
- This woman will be praised by her God, her husband, her children, and all those who know her.
Ladies, women of God, you are clothed with the strength of the Lord.
He has created you to represent Him.
You are that woman of noble character, that virtuous woman.
Know that you are who God says you are!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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