King Lemuel's Mother Taught Him Valuable Lessons (Proverbs 31)
Introduction:
1. According to vs.1a, King Lemuel wrote these beautiful words. 2. However, we learn from vs.1b that he learned them from his mother. 3. She must have been a very wise woman who loved her son. 4. In our lesson we are pointing out how "King Lemuel's mother taught him valuable lessons." 5. The lessons she taught him are timeless and need to be taught today. Discussion: I. (vs.2-9) KING LEMUEL'S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM TO CONDUCT HIMSELF PROPERLY
A. She taught him to avoid behavior that would be harmful, specifically: 1. improper involvement with women 2. giving himself to alcohol. B. She also taught him to: 1. speak wisely and exercise righteous judgment 2. be mindful of those who were in need. C. Lemuel would be helped or hindered as king by the woman he married -- he would need to make a wise choice as he selected a wife. II. (vs.10) KING LEMUEL'S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM THAT A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS VERY VALUABLE
A. In describing the value of a virtuous woman, she mentioned "rubies." 1. Rubies are precious stones that are known for their beauty. 2. Their value makes them worth searching for. 3. A person who finds one has something very special. B. The value of a virtuous woman is "far above rubies." 1. A virtuous woman possesses a special kind of beauty. 2. She is a blessing to God, her family, and to others. III. (vs.11-27) KING LEMUEL'S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM WHY A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS SO VALUABLE
A. She is valuable because she has a very special relationship with her family. 1. She has a special relationship with her husband (Proverbs 12:4a). a. She has the trust of her husband (vs.11). b. She always treats him properly (vs.12). c. She helps him to have a good reputation (vs.23). 2. She has a special relationship with her children -- she tends to their needs. a. She sees that they are well-clothed (vs.21). b. She looks well to all their needs (vs.27). B. She is valuable because she possesses many good qualities. 1. She is industrious in that: a. she works with her hands (vs.13-14, 24) b. she plants a vineyard (vs.16) c. the quality of her workmanship is good, and she is not lazy (vs.18-19) d. she is able to take care of her own needs (vs.22). 2. She is diligent (vs.15). 3. She is strong and honorable (vs.17, 25). 4. She is also kind (vs.26). C. She is valuable because of her concern for the poor and needy (vs.20). IV. (vs.28-31) LEMUEL'S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM THAT A VIRTUOUS WOMAN DESERVES TO BE PRAISED
A. The virtuous woman is confident in her abilities, but she does not praise herself. B. She would not be so vain that she would have to boast about herself. C. However, she deserves to be highly praised by her children, her husband, and her own works. Conclusion:
1. (Proverbs 31:10) "Who can find a virtuous woman?" 2. She is a God-fearing woman who fulfills her responsibilities to God, to herself, to her husband, to her children, and to her fellow man.