For Mother’s Day, please tell me more about the “ideal woman and mother” in Proverbs 31. I see that it was written by King Lemuel, but who was he? I’d also like to know more about his description of his mother and what it means today.
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Dear Roger,
For Mother’s Day, please tell me more about the “ideal woman and mother” in Proverbs 31. I see that it was written by King Lemuel, but who was he? I’d also like to know more about his description of his mother and what it means today.
Thanks, Leticia
Dear Leticia,
Proverbs 31 is often taught—by a man—like a report card to see how well a woman measures up to certain standards. That’s a rotten shame!
This proverb clearly shows us how to value and appreciate the things a wife and/or mother does for her family.
Its author, King Lemuel, summarized his mother’s teaching and character in this echoing word of praise: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).
First, it’s important to note that no one knows the identity of King Lemuel (mentioned in Proverbs 31:1).
However, one thing seems clear, Solomon certainly was not the author of Proverbs 31. It’s hard to imagine this chapter being written by a man who had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
In no way did Solomon exemplify a monogamous, godly husband and father. On the other hand, it’s clear that King Lemuel did.
Advice Given by King Lemuel’s Mother (Proverbs 31:1-9)
Allow me to summarize her advice:
“Don’t consort, with prostitutes; they’ll decimate your life. Stay away from wine and never allow yourself to get drunk and thus forget decency and justice. Don’t pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Protect the rights of those left desolate. Maintain the rights of the poor and needy.”
Now, let’s look at her qualities further and note how the “ideal” picture King Lemuel’s mom offers in the second section of the proverb may be putting undue pressure on moms. Best of all, let’s agree that no mom should be expected to be perfect, and that all are beloved.
She Is Praised by Her Husband (Proverbs 31:11-27)
The ideal woman is noticed and praised by her husband for her character, activities, and behaviors. I’ll summarize his praise for her:
I have found: a “diamond in the rough.” She and I have a maturing partnership. She’s great at milling the grain, cooking, washing, making the meals, nursing the babies, and making the family’s clothes. She plants a garden and harvests the grain. She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She obtains food for our family at any cost.
She gets up before dawn and makes breakfast. She buys real estate on which she cultivates and sells the crops for a profit. She works out to get strong muscles. She makes sure that all of her purchases are profitable. She cares for the children.
She keeps her lights burning all night. She utilizes the spindle to make clothes for her family. The clothes that she makes are fine linen and purple. She gives to the poor and needy.
There were no malls, no microwaves, and no TV dinners back in those days. Perhaps the equivalent today would be “supermom”! But keep in mind that this is an ideal… it’s something perhaps to aspire to … but it’s not a chronicle of a real person.
Her Children Rise Up and Call Her Blessed (Proverbs 31:28)
Based on the rest of the chapter, I can imagine her children rolling out of bed without her needing a cattle prod.
I can imagine her children actually dressing themselves and brushing their teeth without a reminder. Her children’s rooms are not trash dumps, and they can actually get from the bed to the closet without needing a GPS.
On the way to church, they happily jump into the car, telling mom how pretty she looks, and how glad they are that she is their mom.
Is this realistic? Think about what your family life is really like…
Is It Too Much that She’s Mayor of the City? Probably! (Proverbs 31:28-31)
In her day, women were just not given many opportunities. So, there’s absolutely no way she could have been mayor, dispensing wisdom and judgments at the city gates where important messages were read, disputes were settled, and prophets delivered their messages.
Nevertheless, I can imagine that if she were alive today, the “Proverbs 31 Woman” could definitely be a Supreme Court justice!
She obviously spent some time at the city gates because her husband talked often about what a great wife and mother she was. She was greatly praised. Everyone knew who she was.
But Without a Doubt, She Is an Idealized Woman
As I have considered this proverb over and over, I’ve realized that no woman is this perfect!
She hardly ever slept or took a nap. That’s just impossible. Not even the Proverbs 31 woman has time to do all the things for which she is praised.
Years ago, my wife, Julie, and I were attending a marriage conference. We were given a worksheet with a number of biblical injunctions describing how good or not-so-good our parents were as we grew up.
When we were asked to exchange the analysis of our parents’ parenting styles, I realized I had idealized my mother. She was a great mom; however, she wasn’t perfect.
As is the case for all of us as human beings, she did many things very well and some not so well.
Lemuel’s mother was not perfect either.
So, let’s keep our expectations in line with reality. When the expectations are too high, the pressure can be unbearable.
Love Mom by Meeting Her Emotional Needs
Listed below are the top ten emotional needs we all have, as surveyed by Great Commandment Ministries. Every one of us, whether we recognize it or not, has all of these needs and even more.
1. Acceptance
2. Affection
3. Appreciation
4. Approval
5. Attention
6. Comfort
7. Encouragement
8. Respect
9. Security
10. Support
Think of some practical and creative ways that you could meet one or more of these top ten needs for your mother or wife.
Maybe you can plan one way every day to meet one of these ten needs for ten days. Or maybe you can prepare a basket of them at once.
Let me give you an insight: Could you imagine that if you never received acceptance, affection, appreciation, or comfort, or whatever, from your parents, that they didn’t receive any of those things from their parents either?
It’s hard to pass on what you have never received.
Maybe you could work up the courage to meet some of those needs in your mom this Mother’s Day. One day she may reciprocate.
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate (Proverbs 30:29-31).
Leticia, I hope my answer is helpful.
Love, Roger
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia
This Ask Roger article features insights from Roger's daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.
