- These are the sayings that King Lemuel of Massa was taught by his mother.
- My son Lemuel, you were born in answer to my prayers, so listen carefully.
- Don't waste your life chasing after women! This has ruined many kings.
- Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink.
- Drinking makes you forget your responsibilities, and you mistreat the poor.
- Beer and wine are only for the dying or for those who have lost all hope.
- Let them drink and forget how poor and miserable they feel.
- But you must defend those who are helpless and have no hope.
- Be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless.
- A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!
- Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down.
- She is good to him every day of her life,
- and with her own hands she gladly makes clothes.
- She is like a sailing ship that brings food from across the sea.
- She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and for her servants.
- She knows how to buy land and how to plant a vineyard,
- and she always works hard.
- She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night.
- She spins her own cloth,
- and she helps the poor and the needy.
- Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn't worry when it snows.
- She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful.
- Her husband is a well-known and respected leader in the city.
- She makes clothes to sell to the shop owners.
- She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future.
- Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful.
- She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.
- Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says,
- "There are many good women, but you are the best!"
- Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the LORD deserves to be praised.
- Show her respect-- praise her in public for what she has done.
Her first teaching is not to become obsessed with women, and in particular those who may be fortune-hunters preying on powerful and rich men such as kings. Secondly, the mother cautioned her son, the king, against becoming addicted to alcohol. Doing so would cloud his judgment causing him to "forget what is decreed," thus perverting justice for the oppressed.
On the positive side, the third teaching of the king's mother was to be a king who stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves. This included the dispossessed, the oppressed, and the needy. She wanted him to judge righteously and to defend the cause of such people. Be sure they have justice.
Verses 10-31 describe the ideal wife. She is referred to in various translations as a capable wife, a virtuous wife, or a worthy wife. This is a woman who is a stark contrast to the type women King Lemuel's mother advised him against. A woman such as this is "more precious than jewels."
She . . .
. . . Provides clothing and food for the family, rising early to do so. Her family need not fear the cold of winter for she provids sufficient clothing and of good quality.
. . . Has a head for business, buying fields, planting vineyards, assuring a good profit, and keeping the lamp oil stocked.
. . . Makes fine linen and belts, selling them to merchants.
. . . Helps those who need help, reaching out to the poor and giving a hand to the needy.
. . . Is an asset to her husband, raising his standing in the community rather than tearing it down.
. . . Need not worry about what is to come for she has provided well.
. . . Speaks wisdom and loving instruction.
. . . Is praised by her husband who says, "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"
No comments:
Post a Comment