Proverbs 31:1-2 – A mother’s counsel

This is the concluding chapter of the book of Proverbs. It contains essentially the counsel or admonition which King Lemuel’s mother gave to him.  Who is Lemuel? He is believed to be Solomon. Why? Because this name means belonging to God. He was the gift that God gave to David, through Bathsheba after his repentance and reconciliation. We will never really know why he should be given another name. It could well be God’s way of reminding both parents of His grace and unrelenting mercy. We will never fully understand the extent of God’s love and mercy on this side of heaven. All we need to do is to accept that He is gracious, as shown in David’s own words in Psalm 103:14, “For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”  

If this Lemuel is truly Solomon, then the mother who counselled him must be Bathsheba. This introduction of the mother’s counsel reminds us that a son is better brought up when both the father and mother each play their part in the godly upbringing of the child. In the earlier chapters, most of the counsels came to him from the father with periodical sprinkling of the mother’s advice. Now in this concluding chapter we find the mother’s counsel being highlighted.

Verse 2 begins with the word “What.” It suggests that the mother was thinking of her son’s interest. It’s an indication of her concern to ensure that right counsel be given to the son to set him on the right course of life. It is an expression of desiring the son to align his life with what is right. She wants to ensure that her son is on track in the right path. The repetition of the word ‘what’ enforces the attention the mother showers on him. It is true that no godly mother would take her role casually. Having carried the son for nine months in her womb, they share an affinity no man will ever experience. The qualification phrases, “son of my vow” and son of my womb”, reveal how dear a child is to his or her mother. These opening verses underscore the important role a mother plays in the life of her son and daughter. Mothers, don’t downplay the importance of your input into your children’s life. Your impartation into their lives will provide the balance between authority and grace. While the father of the family must show how authority ought to be exercised, the mother demonstrates how faithfulness and grace can be shown. Every child needs a great father and a loving mother to bring balance to his or her life. Fathers, make being a great father our goal! Mothers, aim at being wonderful mothers! Let all roles be fulfilled to bring maximum glory to God in the home!