The Book of Proverbs is based on metaphor. It is packed with Word-Pictures of universal Truths.
King Lemuel is mentioned as the author of Proverbs 31. So, as he was growing up, his mother gave him a solemn advice, which he later arranged in poetic form and recorded for the ages.
The name Lemuel means "for God" or "devoted to God." The mother's counsel is good advice for any men who needs to be a leader to himself and through his own example leader of men.
In the 2nd Letter from Peter, addressed to a wide circle of believers, its main concern is to combat immorality by using these Words: "God's divine power has given men everything they need to live a truly moral life ... so that ... they may escape from the destructive lust that is in the World ... do your best to add goodness to your Faith; to your goodness add Knowledge; to your knowledge add Self-control; to your self-control add Endurance; to your endurance add Godliness; to your godliness add Affection; and to your affection add Love ... if you do not have them , you are so shortsighted that you cannot see ... try even harder to make God's call and His choice of you a permanent experience, if you do so you will never abandon your Faith. 2 Peter 1: 1-11
Proverbs 31 then reinforce this advice with the following words of a mother to her son:
This are the solemn Words which the mother of King Lemuel said to him: "You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you? "
"Do not spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings."
"Listen Lemuel, Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. When they drink, they forget the Law and ignore the rights of people in need. Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness."
"Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31: 1-10
Throughout the Book of Proverbs, Wisdom is anthropomorphized as a woman. Proverbs 31 provides a detailed metaphor of feminine Wisdom in the context of a family and a community. One of weaknesses the king's mother mentioned in her advice to her son was the susceptibility of his strength to be harmed by improper relationships with women. Then the following verse do illustrate a fitting description of what kind of woman Lemuel should seek.
Proverbs 31 continue saying:
"How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels! Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor. As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm. She keeps herself busy making wool and linen cloth. She brings home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do. She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do." Proverbs 31: 10-15
"She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard. She is a hard worker, strong, and industrious. She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night. She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth. She is generous to the poor and needy. She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing. She makes bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen." Proverbs 31: 16-22
"Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens. She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants. She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future. She speaks with a gentle wisdom. She is always busy and looks after her family's needs. Her children show appreciation, and her husband praises her. He says,'Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all.'Proverbs 31:23-30
"Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the Lord should be praised. Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone. Proverbs 31: 30-31
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