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It is not for kings, O Lemuel – not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, less they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

It is well known that in the drinking of alcohol, one can lose their ability for thinking clearly, for seeing clearly, and for being in control of what one might say or do. For a king to lose control, or not be aware at any given time, is not a good thing. Lemuel was being reminded of his right, and his responsibility, in remaining clear thinking and in his rightful mind so that he should not forget his subjects, his people, in their needs and their rights.

Being placed in a position of responsibility requires sacrifice in some areas. Whilst many would look up to someone who is famous and/or important, and perhaps covet their place in life, those looked up to must surely sometimes wish for a life of anonymity, when they could be like the ‘ordinary’ people of life. There are things they must forgo to fulfil their life position. King Lemuel’s mother understood this and served to remind her son of his responsibilities and position.

Prayer: Father, help us to accept the role You have set out for us in life, and fulfil the responsibilities You have given us, with understanding and courage.

responsibility, in control, lemuel, clear thinking

do not spend your strength on women, your vigour on those who ruin kings.

Oh, how well his mother understands how easily a man can be led astray by a woman, or even the thought of one. Man may be the stronger sex physically but their responses to a female can weaken them and make them vulnerable, to the point of ruin. The king’s mother seeks to teach him how to be strong and override a weakness that have made other men fall, that has made them lose their ‘vigour’ or their vitality, or strength of body and mind. Perhaps the weakness is not so much a loss of strength in body, but perhaps more a distraction where they would lose focus and strength in their mind, driven to distraction as it were. How often are mistakes made when distracted? And a King needs to be focused and in control.

Prayer: Father, help us learn to keep focused on the things that You would want us to do and be. Help us to turn away from distractions and keep our mind and body strong in Spirit.

focused, distraction, vigour, ruin, prayer

O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

As she is speaking to him, she reminds him of their closeness, their relationship, how he was once inside her body and a physical part of her. A reminder to him that he should listen to what she has to say, that she has a genuine need, desire and reason for imparting knowledge to him, for sharing her wisdom. That she needs him to know things she knows because they have a bond.

I wonder how many mothers feel this way about their children today? I wonder how many children realise or understand this close connection – at least prior to becoming parents themselves. There is something special about the bond a mother feels for her children and if that is something that can be maintained and kept as they grow older, it is indeed something very special. That is not to say that the child can’t cut the ‘apron strings’ as they grow up, but if they maintain an open ear to their mother’s wisdom, then that is such a blessing – especially if that mother is one who listens to her Lord and Saviour when sharing with her children.

Prayer: O Father, we pray that You will impart wisdom for us to share with our children, and we pray also that You will give them ears to hear, a mind to discern, and a heart to love and listen with.

wisdom, children, christian, proverbs 31

Periodically I will post my thoughts on what I’ve learnt from Proverbs 31 in general, or what I’ve read elsewhere and how that has moulded my own thoughts. This blog is also intended for my own learning experience with WordPress as I own several other blogs using another service and I’m interested in hosting on my own server at some later stage.