Read
What King Lemuel's Mother
1These are the sayings
that King Lemuel of Massa
was taught by his mother.
2My son Lemuel, you were born
in answer to my prayers,
so listen carefully.
3Don't waste your life
chasing after women!
This has ruined many kings.
4Kings and leaders
should not get drunk
or even want to drink.
5Drinking makes you forget
your responsibilities,
and you mistreat the poor.
6Beer and wine are only
for the dying or for those
who have lost all hope.
7Let them drink and forget
how poor and miserable
they feel.
8But you must defend
those who are helpless
and have no hope.
9Be fair and give justice
to the poor and homeless.
Reflect
Just as we have a vision for our lives – all the places we will go and the things that we will do – so too will we have a vision for our children. When we become parents, some of our visions, as well as our wisdom, we will pass on to our children – to help their lives be even better than our own.
Proverbs 31 records motherly wisdom. In the ancient world, wisdom was not frequently linked to women. Lemuel’s mother loved him and prayed for him, and she wanted him to succeed in life long after she was gone.
Lemuel was a king of some obscure territory. As a king, a leader of people, Lemuel was prone to blind spots. His mother reminded Lemuel of three:
First, a good leader like Lemuel is to avoid entangling relationships with women. What is in view here is not his first wife, but other women under his influence.
Second, a good leader like Lemuel is to avoid alcohol so as to not make bad decisions. Too many a king has made a rash decision while under the influence.
Third, a good leader like Lemuel is to speak up for the poor. In the ancient world, there was little middle class; there were the few rich and the many poor. A king did not have to pay attention to the poor, but the good and wise ones did.
Lack of sobriety, both from inappropriate relationships and inappropriate behaviour, and ignoring the poor, are three blind spots for leaders. If we are sober and gracious, we can avoid costly mistakes and lead well.
Respond
Father God, I exalt you because you are loving and just. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Give me wisdom and strength to live with integrity. May I be generous and give grace to others so they may see your goodness and praise you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Douglas & Noël Estes
Douglas Estes is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Practical Theology and director of the DMin Program at South University—Columbia. Prior to this he was a pastor for 16 years. He has written or edited six books and contributes to a variety of publications including Bible Study Magazine and Christianity Today. His wife Noël was a Marriage and Family Therapist, before making a career of raising their four children and becoming a DMin student. Some recent publications include: Questions and Rhetoric in the Greek New Testament (Zondervan, 2017) and, as co-editor, How John Works (SBL Press, 2016). Also: "The Exoplanets Declare the Glory of God" (Christianity Today, March 2016).