http://socministries.blogspot.com/

ETC Ministries - Simplicity of Christ, Johns Creek, GA (2026)

06/14/2026

Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
----------------------------------------
Strong drink and wine have their place. Though kings and other leaders must use them carefully (Proverbs 31:4-5), they have a good and useful purpose for others. God created and designed them, and He, in this place, inspired reasons for their use from a queen mother.

Strong drink – fermented or distilled alcoholic beverages other than wine – is to cheer those depressed due to poverty or misery (Proverbs 31:7). Wine – the fermented juice of the gr**e – is to cheer men whose hearts are heavy. God created and designed these drinks to produce gladness, happiness, and relaxation by their moderate use (Psalms 104:14-15).

King Lemuel’s mother gave inspired advice to her son (Proverbs 31:1-2). She first warned him about the danger of women, for men in authority are the objects of whorish women more than other men (Proverbs 31:3). She then warned him about the danger of intoxication from wine or strong drink, which would impair his judgment and memory as a king (Proverbs 31:4-5). Wine, she taught, was more the need of his poor working-class citizens (Proverbs 31:6-7).

Wine is always and only the fermented juice of the gr**e used as a beverage. Contrary to what modern Pharisee teetotalers say, wine has never been the name for nonalcoholic gr**e juice. Honest Bible study will reveal this simple lesson. Men teaching otherwise are lying in order to promote man-made rules over men (Matthew 15:1-20). Connected in this proverb with strong drink, wine is obviously the alcoholic beverage made from gr**es.

God made and ordained wine for a good purpose. He created gr**es with sugary juice inside and yeast on the skins. When gr**es are crushed, the sugar and yeast combine to start fermentation. When the mash gets to 8-14% alcohol, the yeast dies and fermentation ends. God created gr**es and ordained this process to cheer the heart, which has been the use of wine for 6000 years (Psalms 104:14-15; Ecclesiastes 10:19; Isaiah 28:23-29; Genesis 9:20).

God made and ordained strong drink for a good purpose as well. When wine was in short supply, or men wanted a change in beverage, they could ferment other fruit or grain products and/or distill them. Beer is simply cold grain soup with an alcohol level considerably less than wine. Whiskey is a cold grain soup that has been distilled to an alcohol level considerably above that of wine. Midori from melons, various flavors of schnapps, vodka, sherry, and brandy are a few of the many other forms of modern strong drinks.

Let there be no doubt about the limitations God has placed on wine and strong drink. God strongly condemns excessive drinking that leads to drunkenness, and He also strongly condemns excessive eating that leads to gluttony (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-21,29-35; Isaiah 5:11; Habakkuk 2:15; Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:1-5). Let there be no doubt in any mind about the limitations God has placed on wine and bread.

But God commended wine and strong drink in this proverb. This is not strange, and only those ignorant of the Bible think it is strange. He commanded Israel to spend 10% of their income on festival worship, and He commended wine and strong drink in these family religious events (Deuteronomy 14:26). Of course, teetotalers on their social gospel bandwagon of Prohibition ignore such verses. Billy Sunday and the Temperance Movement were totally wrong. Temperance is not abstinence or prohibition, but rather self-discipline.

Why did God create and ordain wine and strong drink? Because alcohol depresses the central nervous system, to help a person relax, forget the negative things in his life, and feel warm with joy and contentment. He made it to put gladness in his heart (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:14-15; Ecclesiastes 10:19). Read the proverb again, and follow the single pronoun “him” into the next verse (Proverbs 31:6-7). The perishing and heavy hearts are depression. Wine and strong drink cause a man to forget his poverty and misery, even when very discouraged.

Alcohol is a mood-altering chemical, and it is for this reason that God created, ordained, and commended the use of wine and strong drink. This proverb and the one following allow for the moderate use of legal, modern mood-altering prescriptions for those who suffer from chemical, physical, or psychological problems like anxiety attacks, depression, and related maladies. The God of heaven is the God of all mercy (Matthew 12:7).

Wine is also a wonderful beverage for fellowship between friends, so Jesus Christ created the best vintage ever for a wedding feast as His first miracle (John 2:1-11). Abraham and Melchizedek had bread and wine for their celebration (Genesis 14:18-20). God’s true churches commune with bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:20-26). No wonder a simple toast can simply be, “Cheers!” No wonder some drinks are called cordials – heart-warming drinks.

King Lemuel’s mother did not prohibit all drinking for her son. She rather held him to a higher rule than his citizens. The three greatest kings in the Bible drank – Melchizedek, David, and Jesus (Genesis 14:18; 2 Samuel 6:19; Luke 7:33-34). The New Testament confirms this gradation of duty. Pastors cannot be given to wine; deacons cannot be given too much wine; and members are to avoid drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:3,8). God’s priests drank the best wine, but not when leading worship (Leviticus 10:8-11; Numbers 18:8-12; Ezekiel 44:21).

What are the lessons for you? God is good in all His creations, including wine. He made bread to make your heart strong and wine to make your heart glad (Psalms 104:14-15). He is not the restrictive tyrant of modern Pharisees who limits you to gr**e juice, a bitter, sour, and/or sugar-laden drink. He wants you to relax at the end of a long day. He knew the staples of fine dining before modern restaurants – wine, bread, and meat (2 Samuel 6:19).

Wine and strong drink must be ruled, so that drunkenness is carefully avoided. God expects you to keep sufficient wits to be wise at all times and to avoid the greater vulnerability to sin that comes with drunkenness (Proverbs 23:33). Relaxation is good, but laxity in godliness is not good. If you have a leadership role, even as a loving and wise husband and father, you must carefully consider and guard your use of these drinks.

Drunkenness is wine to excess. Drunkenness is never the right solution to deal with your problems. Drunkenness is only for losers (Proverbs 23:20-21,29-35)! If you have problems that you cannot cope with, the solution is the Holy Spirit of the living God (Ephesians 5:18). Humble yourself before God, beg for His Holy Spirit, and take up singing, instead of drinking (Luke 11:13; Ephesians 5:18-19). Let Him be the strength of your heart (Psalms 73:25-26).

06/13/2026

Proverbs 31:5
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
----------------------------------------
Alcohol, by relaxing the central nervous system, reduces human judgment. Those in authority must use it very prudently. While the relaxing effect is excellent for men in physical or emotional pain (Proverbs 31:6-7), it is dangerous for kings, princes, or other rulers, who must strictly control their thoughts and words to protect others (Proverbs 31:4-5). King Lemuel’s mother warned him about wine and strong drink in his ruling position (Proverbs 31:1).

The other half of this proverb reads, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink” (Proverbs 31:4). Lemuel’s mother warned that the duties of leadership limit the use of wine and strong drink, even if both are liberally allowed to others (Proverbs 31:6-7). Kings and princes must apply laws consistently and fairly and make just and right judgments. Too much wine could hinder them in those duties.

Wine can alter awareness, control, judgment, and sobriety. Solomon spoke of the sinful effect on sight, heart, and speech (Proverbs 23:33). Noah was naked while drunk (Genesis 9:21). Lot committed in**st with his daughters while drunk (Genesis 19:30-38). Nabal might have been more civil to David without wine (1 Samuel 25:36). Men have used it for date r**e (Habakkuk 2:15). David used it to tempt his friend Uriah to sleep with his wife (2 Samuel 11:6-13).

This effect is called being under the influence. Alcohol impairs the judgment of drivers, leading to many fatal accidents, so driving in such a condition is punished. Anyone who must make quick and intelligent decisions, whether a boss, a judge, or a pilot, is strictly warned against the use of alcohol while on the job. Many children have also suffered from imprudent fathers, who made terrible decisions while under the influence of alcohol.

A man in authority must use all his wits, heart, and soul to give righteous judgment and avoid judging merely by appearance (Exodus 18:21; 2 Chronicles 19:5-10; John 7:24). Rulers were ordained by God to punish evildoers and reward good behavior (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-14). But this high and honorable intent will be destroyed if the ruler is intoxicated and thereby angry, blinded, confused, distracted, emotional, hasty, impulsive, or partial.

Yet, the rule is limited. The Bible hides truth from the foolish, proud, or self-righteous; it reveals truth to the diligent, humble, and wise (Matthew 11:25-26; 2 Peter 3:16). God-called men are to read the Bible distinctly, give the sense, and cause others to understand it (Nehemiah 8:8; Malachi 2:7). By rightly dividing scripture, the man of God declares pure truth from God’s words (Proverbs 22:17-21; Psalms 119:18;2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). Giving an interpretation is not corrupting His words: it is giving them the correct sense to avoid errors on either side.

Kings and other rulers may drink wine, but they are to be very prudent about it. How can you know this? By comparing scripture with scripture (1 Corinthians 2:13). Melchizedek, King of Jerusalem, drank wine (Genesis 14:18-20). And his anti-type, the Lord Jesus, drank wine often enough to be called a wine-bibber (Luke 7:33-34). The proverb’s teetotalism words confuse Pharisees, who think they are more righteous than those enjoying God’s mercies.

Bible moderation is to drink the right amount at the right time for the right reasons. The right amount differs from person to person, but it can be learned just as the right amount of food is learned. The right time should factor in any leadership duties, the use of dangerous things like an automobile, or the example provided to others. The right reasons are comfort, gladness, and relaxation as God intended, without any moral compromise.

Consider the Spirit’s hierarchy of duty. Ekklesia members (His chosen ones) may drink short of drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Deacons and aged women cannot be addicted or greedy drinkers of much wine (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:3). But a bishop or pastor, the chief ruler and teacher, cannot be addicted or greedy of wine in general (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). The O.T. priests never drank when directing worship (Leviticus 10:8-11), though they did drink at other times (Numbers 18:12).

The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect King. Though He appreciated wine as the gift of God (Psalms 104:14-15; Luke 7:33-34; John 2:1-11), He never compromised righteousness, mercy, or truth (John 7:46; 8:29; Hebrews 1:9; 7:26). If you are in a position of authority or leadership, make sure you restrain your use of wine and strong drink, lest you pervert your privileged position. Let the high King of heaven be your holy example and guide.

06/12/2026

Proverbs 31:4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
----------------------------------------
Your rank dictates how much you should drink. The holy God of the Bible commends moderate use of wine and strong drink, but He condemns drunkenness, and He warns all men in leadership positions to be careful, even with drinking short of drunkenness. Rulers must have all their faculties alert and vigilant to execute their offices well (Proverbs 31:5).

These words are advice from a queen mother to her son, King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1-3). Whether King Lemuel is Solomon and the queen mother is Bathsheba cannot be proven. But the words are inspired wisdom from God, and they were appended to Solomon’s Proverbs for the advice they have about two temptations facing kings: women and wine.

Wine and strong drink are good, when used properly (Deuteronomy 14:26; Psalms 104:14-15; Ecclesiastes 10:19). The queen mother included proper uses of them in her warning (Proverbs 31:6-7). Wine is no more evil than food. The abuse of one is drunkenness, and the abuse of the other is gluttony. Both are sins in the sight of God. The relaxation and cheer from a moderate use of wine is a gift from God to men (Judges 9:13). Let God be true, but every man a liar!

A good king must rule fairly and justly, so he must be fully alert in all mental faculties (Proverbs 16:12; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 2 Samuel 23:3). Wine and strong drink, by the alcohol they contain, relax the central nervous system and can impair memory, reduce decision-making ability, or cloud moral judgment by dulling normal inhibitions (Proverbs 23:33). Rulers cannot allow this to occur, so they have stricter drinking limitations than others.

The text does not condemn all drinking for kings. Melchizedek and Jesus, both great kings and priests, drank wine (Genesis 14:18; Luke 7:33-34). The warning is against kings drinking wine and strong drink with the same liberty as others. Due to their duties of ruling, they must practice greater self-discipline. Understand the sense of the words!

There are three levels of drinking wine in the New Testament. Church members could enjoy wine freely, but without drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Deacons were not to be given to much wine; bishops, or pastors, were not to be given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3,8; Titus 1:7). Older women, teachers of young women, were restricted like deacons (Titus 2:3). The word given means these leaders could not be prone or vulnerable to the specified amounts.

The Bible does indeed teach Christian liberty and personal freedom for many things that are neutral in the sight of God, such as whether a person drinks alcohol moderately or does not drink alcohol at all. However, the Bible also has many limitations and rules for Christian liberty that are taught in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians chapters 6, 8, and 10.

Let every man consider his rank, and let him rule his drinking accordingly. Wise men, even simple husbands and fathers, will not allow wine to compromise their example and role in the home. Jesus Christ has also made them kings and priests unto God and His Father (Revelation 1:6). As such, every man should be sober and vigilant about using alcohol.

06/11/2026

Proverbs 31:3
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
----------------------------------------
Wh**es can destroy kings; how much more average men? A queen mother appealed to her son King Lemuel as only a mother can do and warned him against a great threat to his life and reign – evil women (Proverbs 31:1-3). Every good mother will intensely warn her sons.

Kings, due to power and riches, were objects of seduction by whorish women. Kings, by their power and riches, lived luxuriously, which promoted lascivious living and the lusts of the eyes and flesh. This great mother despised wh**es and warned her son against them.

Kings ruled nations, raised armies, and conquered empires. Kings are the greatest rulers in history. They made weighty decisions that affected the lives of those in and out of their kingdoms. They had absolute authority over life and death over every citizen. To influence a king was to influence nations and the lives of millions. For a king to become infatuated with a woman was to give his strength, duty, and honor to the base lusts of his loins.

How many kings have been destroyed by evil women affecting their decisions? Or would it be easier to ask how many kings have not been so affected? The threat was real; the historical record bleak; the consequences terrible. Kings and all men in authority must be stricter and stronger in resisting women than other men. Power is an aphrodisiac and an opportunity for the flesh. On these two counts, men in leadership roles must be vigilant. They must deny the flesh to keep themselves, their offices, and their charges.

King Lemuel’s mother knew good women, for she wrote the loftiest description of the best woman described in the Bible (Proverbs 31:10-31). She wanted her son, the king, to have one woman – a virtuous, God-fearing woman – to be his wife. She did not desire a harem for him. She rejected thoughts of mistresses. She despised concubines and courtesans. She knew his success depended on one great woman as his wife. Consider it well, men.

Samson was the judge of Israel, but the conniving w***e Delilah brought him down to terrible destruction. David had a harem of wives, but taking the wife of one of his best friends brought him terrible trouble, nearly destroyed his kingdom, and cost him dearly for the rest of his life. His son Solomon followed David’s horrible example against his own wisdom and is left in ignominy and shame in the Bible (1 Kings 11:1-11; Nehemiah 13:26).

What can be said about such foolish rulers as Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony, who were seduced and destroyed by the Egyptian w***e Cleopatra? Only Augustus knew how to treat her, so she did the best thing for all concerned and committed su***de. Entire history books have been written of royal adultery and s*x scandals from ancient Babylon to the Caesars and popes of Rome to Edwardian England. Women have destroyed many rulers.

What are the lessons? Great mothers warn their sons plainly about the danger of whorish women. Great men, especially in positions of authority or leadership, must take extra precautions to be vigilant against this dangerous threat. And if women can destroy gifted rulers with many options, common men should be even more careful. Good women will realize their s*xual power and use it loyally for righteous purposes with their husbands.

There is only one King never been moved by evil. This king loves righteousness and hates iniquity and always rules righteously (Hebrews 1:8-9). David wrote of his distant Son, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain” (2 Samuel 23:3-4).

Jesus Christ is the perfect king. Tempted in all points like other men, He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Though many women followed him with great devotion, He knew them only as repentant sinners. He was moved with eternal affection and dying passion for His one true love – the elect of God His Father that make up His bride (Psalms 45:10-17; Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:5-9). Believe and obey the one King who can truly save your life.

06/10/2026

Proverbs 31:2
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
----------------------------------------
Behind every great man there is a great woman. And it is not his wife. It is his mother. No woman has the influence, the opportunity, the privilege, or the reward of a mother.

A mother’s love and training do more to mold character for life than ten wives. By the time a man marries, most of his character is already formed. A wife receives the man, whom the mother made from scratch, by God’s grace. Here is a royal mother lovingly seeking her son’s attention, who became a king. Mothers and sons should pay attention.

It is impossible to prove the identity of King Lemuel or his mother (Proverbs 31:1). They could be Solomon and Bathsheba; they might not be. But you do not need their identities to profit greatly from this proverb. Here is a mother addressing her son by inspiration, so you should trust inspired wisdom elsewhere in the Bible to fill in the details of this verse.

The three repetitive questions are not significant. Lemuel may have asked for advice, which triggered them. His mother may have been searching for the finest words of wisdom to give him. She may have been admonishing him over possible weaknesses.

Every noble mother knows the words well. And their source and intent! They are passionate yearnings bursting from a mother’s heart. Let every Christian mother rekindle them. Let every Christian son hear and feel them. Here is inspired mothering.

You can be certain of the affection of the chosen words. She called him her son, which to mothers is a dear term, for joy of bringing a man into the world (John 16:21; 1 Corinthians 11:12). It is a privilege for the weaker s*x to give a man life for the greater things he can do.

She said, “You are mine. God gave you to me. We are unique on Earth. No one else can be your mother. I brought you forth, and now you are a man. I have doted on you as my darling son from your very conception. You can be great. Now hear my best advice.”

She called him the son of her womb. She recalled what only mothers know – the bond of conceiving, carrying, and birthing. She felt his first movements before his first breath. She used this simple fact to describe their union, express her love, and grab his attention.

She said about him, “You are truly mine, and not another’s. You were not adopted. You were of me, in me, and by me. I rejoiced at your conception. I carried you happily, and I loved you even before birth. I nourished you in a hidden place. I felt every beat of your heart. I gladly gave your life and breath with my own labor. Now hear my best advice.”

She called him the son of her vows. Rather than marriage vows, she recalled dedicating him to the Lord, as did Hannah. She reminded him of her many prayers and promises to God to train him in the fear of the LORD. She expressed the sobriety of his conception.

She said, “You were God’s gift to me. I committed you to Jehovah and His righteousness even before birth. I willingly gave you back to Him, who gave you to me. I have prayed for you then and today. I would not have conceived you without this godly intent. Now I appeal to you to fulfill those holy ambitions I have had for you. Hear my best advice.”

Solomon described his mother, Bathsheba, as having such affection for him. He wrote earlier, “For I was – tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother” (Proverbs 4:3). No matter what, his mother doted on him and loved him. He could hardly do wrong, and if he did, her love was still there for him. It is this secure affection that helps make men great. Tender mothers easily separate themselves from overbearing and/or efficient ones.

The rod and reproof truly give wisdom, and mothers deserting their use will bring shame to themselves (Proverbs 29:15). Her request in this proverb leads to teaching (Proverbs 31:1), and Lemuel’s mother quickly proceeded to reproving advice (Proverbs 31:3-31). But she began with the tender appeals of a mother. She prefaced her instructions and warnings based on her personal, biological, and spiritual connection to him. What conscious son could resist?

Mothers should teach sons (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20). They should define good and evil from early days. Such lessons will remain. Many men recall later in life the precious lessons learned from their mothers. She has had him for a long time during his formative years, so she has a precious opportunity to make a great and godly man. Mother, do not let this privilege waste. Thank God for the time. Then use it for His glory and true virtue in the earth.

Rather than homework, which carries less value for life, good mothers will emphasize godliness and realities of life, as this mother warned about women, wine, and injustice (Proverbs 31:3-9). She then laid out the most detailed and practical description of the kind of woman he should marry (Proverbs 31:10-31). Only wise women can address these subjects to hold a young man’s attention; only such practical women will be sought out by their son.

Hannah vowed, conceived, carried, birthed, nursed, and trained one of the greatest men to ever serve the LORD (1 Samuel 1:11,22-28; Jeremiah 15:1). She had Samuel no longer than five years. But he worshipped the LORD at that tender age (1 Samuel 2:28). What a glorious mother! What a great son! How? By her vows and womb and training, with God’s grace.

Lois trained her daughter, Eunice, to be a godly mother. Together they formed the young Timothy with faith and the word of God (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). So successful were they that Paul declared Timothy his most trusted minister in the New Testament (Philippians 2:19-23).

How great was Obed, with Naomi and Ruth as nursing grandmother and mother (Ruth 4:13-17)? Who nurtured David to be the spiritual, gracious, courageous, righteous, and faithful man he became? Was it the influence of these two women, two generations later?

If there were more Hannahs, would there not be more Samuels? If there were more Eunices, would there not be more Timothys? Could a grandmother and mother mold another David? Why has forming character become a lesser goal than school or sports?

Christian mother, if you had a Samuel or a Timothy, you must be a Hannah or a Eunice. If you think small, mother, by feeding, dressing, and getting your son through college, you will miss these high honors. They are reserved for only great women.

Have you knelt with your little boy in prayer? Let him hear and feel you reverently and passionately address the invisible God of heaven, while mentioning him by name. Did you do this over him in the crib? When nursing? When he kneels beside you? Before he went off to play or school? When does he leave with the keys to drive himself to work?

Christian mother, here is your calling. What a blessed privilege to turn the curse of conception and childbirth to God’s glory and your joy (Proverbs 23:25; Genesis 3:16). Mary did wisely with her Child (Luke 2:51;1 Timothy 2:15). What are you doing with yours? Will your son say, “O LORD, truly I am thy servant; and the son of thine handmaid” (Psalms 116:16)?

You cannot find here the overbearing, nagging, and critical mother who always has a better way for her son to do things. Who is disappointed with most of what he does? Who neglects the real thoughts and ambitions of his male mind? Who is too busy and efficient to dote and flatter. Who is too preoccupied with herself to claim his soul. Not a chance!

Such an odious woman drives her son from her and her home. The woman with unruled choleric or melancholy tendencies of perfectionism, criticism, efficiency, and loud talking will lose the very man to whom she gave life. He will reject her as his heart revolts under her disapproval, harshness, questions, and fussing about unimportant things.

Many men are only a fraction of what they could have been with a mother’s full heart and sober instruction. Solomon was “tender and only beloved” in the sight of his mother (Proverbs 4:3). What a waste for both mother and son when the mother is bitter, distracted, ignorant, lazy, selfish, or some combination. What a lost opportunity! What a loss!

Your son will learn the right way to do things in time. Why not provide him with the loving affection that enlarges his heart, elevates his soul, lifts his head, and spreads his wings to be a great and noble man? Fill him with confidence, faith, and power to be virtuous. Give him love no wife can replace. Build his courage and nobility like a mountain. Be the great woman behind a great man. Send forth a man-child for the greater glory of Jesus Christ.

If you had a godly mother, give thanks to heaven and to her. Is her love the best you will ever know? Hardly! Listen to your blessed LORD compare His concern for His children. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?” (Isaiah 49:15a). Hardly! But they may! So the blessed LORD declared, “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15b). Thank you, God!

06/09/2026

Proverbs 31:1
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
----------------------------------------
Here is the high calling of motherhood. There is truth in the saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” The greater truth is that this woman is usually his mother!
King Lemuel was indebted to his mother for the advice that follows in Proverbs chapter 31. While the description and benefits of a great wife are found in Proverbs 31:10-31, the chapter begins with the great value of King’s Lemuel’s mother, which you should consider first.

God put His stamp of approval on this mother’s advice by inspiring and preserving its selected words for the pages of Holy Scripture. Every mother should rejoice at the opportunity to teach and form a son into a great man by considering her very practical instruction and her bold and plain declaration of it. Not every woman can raise a son to be a great king, but every woman can be better by the example of this great woman.

Who is King Lemuel? Who is Agur, the son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30:1)? Who were Ithiel and Ucal? What is the book of Jasher (Joshua 10:13)? Since God did not tell you, their identities are not important. Do not speculate about God’s secrets and miss the revealed wisdom before you (Deut. 29:29). You know the Author, even if you do not know specific writers.

Whether Bathsheba’s advice to Solomon, Abijah’s advice to Hezekiah, or the advice of a foreign queen to her son, it matters little. God inspired these words for you, since it is called a prophecy, and since it has a very godly summary of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:30).
Solomon wrote 3000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32), but the men of Hezekiah copied out only a few select ones (Proverbs 25:1). They likely added two appendices – the proverbs of Agur (a wise prophet) and the royal advice of Lemuel’s mother, both by God’s providence.

God inspired this woman to teach her son rules for moral protection (Proverbs 31:3-7), noble use of authority (Proverbs 31:8-9), and domestic prosperity (Proverbs 31:10-31). This is some of the most practical instruction in the Bible. Every woman should humbly realize it was a woman who gave the lofty description of the virtuous wife that follows (Proverbs 31:10-31). Every woman for whom it is not too late should examine the legacy she will give her son.

Wise women know their important role in training children, even sons. Bathsheba taught Solomon (Proverbs 4:3-4; 6:20), and Solomon assumed that mothers teach their sons (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20). But helping with homework and assigning household duties are not nearly enough. This great mother taught her son very plainly, even when grown, on real subjects like women, wine, justice, and marriage. Let every mother wisely use her time with her son.

Do not let the world, with its earthly priorities, misdirect your efforts in the few formative years you have with a son (or daughter). The devil’s diabolical ambition for your son is to love the world’s things, like sports, instead of being consumed by heavenly things for God’s glory and Jesus Christ’s kingdom (1 Timothy 4:7-9). The more the world entices him, the more he is God’s enemy, and you the accomplice in his horrible ruin (James 4:4).

Driving him daily to baseball practice and watching him s**g fly balls over a ten-year youth program may give you warm feelings and an escape from housework, but what has it taught him for the moral battle of good versus evil that he will fight with numerous enemies out of your sight for the rest of his life? How will it equip him to deny his lusts, reject the world’s lies, love God, and be a tree of life to others (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Proverbs 11:30)?

Helping him daily with homework to make the honor roll is not much better; for again, what did it do to form godly character, which is much more important to God and good men, and which will guarantee future success in all areas of life (Proverbs 4:5-13; 22:11)? In all the hours of learning facts to regurgitate for tests the next day, most of which he will never need or use again, did you make time for daily musing in God’s book, the Bible?

Hannah clearly taught Samuel more important things, for he was well prepared for his religious life at Shiloh. We read that he worshiped God there, when she left him with the priest Eli, shortly after his weaning (1 Samuel 1:21-28). How could he at such a young age love and fear God without Hannah’s diligent and faithful efforts? She invested in him like King Lemuel’s mother here, and he totally outstripped all his siblings (1 Samuel 2:21).

Lois and Eunice, grandmother and mother respectively, communicated their sincere faith to Timothy and taught him the Holy Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). By their diligent and faithful efforts, Paul ordained the best minister he knew (Philippians 2:19-22). There are two Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament due to their faithful imparting of spiritual wisdom and truth to him during his childhood. What an absolutely glorious accomplishment!

We do not know the details of Mary’s relationship to Jesus, but we know He was obedient to her, and she pondered His words in her heart (Luke 2:51). Being a virtuous woman, we know she taught Him good doctrine, and He honored her as His mother (John 19:25-27).

Let every holy woman rejoice to train sons in the fear of the Lord and vital issues of life (Proverbs 6:20-23; 22:6). Your zealous obsession in such a good cause is itself good (Galatians 4:18). Let every son cherish, honor, and obey such a precious mother (Proverbs 1:8; 4:3; 31:28). He should give credit where it is due, when he recounts the excellent training he received as a child from his mother. Let this noble combination prepare more great men for God.

Mothers, what have you done today to impart to your son wisdom for his life along the lines of what is in this last chapter of Proverbs? Were you neglectful of this matter? God can and will forgive you (1 John 1:9), and He can restore years lost to neglect or chastening (Joel 2:25). Are you an older woman with sons established in marriages and professions? Then use this proverb by teaching it to younger mothers (Titus 2:3-5).

ETC Ministries - Simplicity of Christ

06/14/2026

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share