These are the words of King Lemuel—The identity of King Lemuel is not definitively known, and he is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Some scholars suggest that Lemuel might be a symbolic or poetic name, possibly referring to Solomon or another Israelite king. The name "Lemuel" means "devoted to God," which aligns with the biblical theme of kingship under divine authority. This introduction sets the stage for a passage that is unique in its attribution to a king, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and instruction from a royal perspective.
the burden that his mother taught him:
The term "burden" here can be understood as a weighty message or oracle, indicating the seriousness and importance of the teaching. The fact that this wisdom comes from Lemuel's mother highlights the significant role of women in imparting wisdom and moral guidance, a theme that resonates throughout Proverbs. This maternal instruction underscores the biblical principle of honoring one's parents and valuing their guidance (Exodus 20:12,Proverbs 1:8). The cultural context of the time placed great importance on oral tradition and familial instruction, making this passage a testament to the enduring influence of parental teaching. The mother's role here can also be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who instructs and guides believers in truth and wisdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
King LemuelA king whose identity is not clearly defined in the Bible. Some scholars suggest he might be a symbolic or poetic figure, while others propose he could be Solomon or another historical king. The name "Lemuel" means "devoted to God" in Hebrew.
2.
Lemuel's MotherAn influential figure in Lemuel's life, providing him with wisdom and guidance. Her teachings form the basis of the subsequent verses in
Proverbs 31, which are often seen as a model for virtuous living.
3.
The BurdenThe term "burden" (Hebrew: "massa") can be understood as an oracle or a weighty message. It implies that the teachings Lemuel received were of significant importance and carried a sense of responsibility.
Teaching Points
The Value of Parental WisdomParents play a crucial role in imparting wisdom and values to their children. Just as Lemuel's mother taught him, parents today are called to guide their children in the ways of the Lord.
The Weight of Godly InstructionThe term "burden" signifies the importance and responsibility of the teachings. Believers should approach God's wisdom with reverence and a commitment to apply it in their lives.
The Role of Women in Spiritual LeadershipLemuel's mother exemplifies the significant influence women can have in spiritual and moral instruction. This highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in the faith community.
Devotion to GodThe name "Lemuel" reminds us of the call to be devoted to God. Our lives should reflect a commitment to His teachings and a desire to live according to His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:1?
2.How can we apply King Lemuel's mother's teachings in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 31:1 reveal about the importance of maternal guidance?
4.How does Proverbs 31:1 connect to honoring parents in Exodus 20:12?
5.Why is it significant that King Lemuel's mother taught him these words?
6.How can we ensure our advice aligns with biblical wisdom like Proverbs 31:1?
7.Who was King Lemuel, and why is his identity debated in Proverbs 31:1?
8.What is the significance of a mother's teachings in Proverbs 31:1?
9.How does Proverbs 31:1 fit into the overall theme of wisdom literature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31?
11.Who is King Lemuel in the Bible?
12.Who is the author of Proverbs?
13.Who is the author of Proverbs?
14.Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?What Does Proverbs 31:1 Mean
These are the words- Scripture begins by calling attention to “words,” reminding us that what follows is not random thoughts but divinely preserved statements (2 Timothy 3:16;Proverbs 30:1).
- By opening this way, the verse signals authority and reliability—what we’re about to read is meant to shape belief and behavior (Psalm 19:7-8).
- The phrase also tiesProverbs 31 to the broader collection of “words” found throughout Proverbs, inviting us to listen with the same attentiveness we give the rest of God’s Word (Proverbs 1:1-2).
of King Lemuel—- “King” underscores civil authority; even rulers need wisdom from above (Proverbs 8:15-16;Romans 13:1).
- Lemuel is otherwise unknown, which prevents us from idolizing the man and keeps the spotlight on the message. God often speaks through unexpected figures (1 Corinthians 1:27).
- Other royal collections in Scripture (2 Samuel 23:1;Ecclesiastes 1:1) show that a king’s testimony can serve the entire covenant community.
the burden- A “burden” is a weighty utterance—something carried because it must be delivered (Malachi 1:1;Nahum 1:1).
- It carries moral gravity: this is not casual advice but an imperative from God, meant to shape the conscience (Jeremiah 23:33-36).
- For a king, embracing this burden means ruling under God’s higher authority, submitting crown to Creator (Psalm 2:10-12).
that his mother taught him:- The passage highlights a mother’s lifelong influence, fulfilling God’s design for parents to instruct children (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20;Exodus 20:12).
- Her teaching proves that wisdom is often first learned in the home before it is exercised in public office (2 Timothy 1:5).
- The verse also elevates godly womanhood, anticipating the famous portrait of the virtuous wife later in the chapter (Proverbs 31:10-31).
summaryProverbs 31:1 introduces a king who humbly records the weighty lesson his mother gave him. The verse affirms the authority of Scripture (“words”), reminds rulers and readers alike that all leadership is accountable to God, underscores the solemnity of divine truth (“burden”), and celebrates the formative power of a godly parent’s instruction.
XXXI.APPENDIX (b).
(1)The words of king Lemuel. . . .--More probably this should be translated," The words of Lemuel, king of Massa." (See above onProverbs 30:1.) "Lemuel," which most likely signifies (dedicated) "to God," has been, like Agur, supposed to be a designation of Solomon, but with no good reason.
The prophecy that his mother taught him.--Mothers were looked upon with great veneration in the East. (Comp.Proverbs 1:8;Proverbs 6:20.) The mothers of kings especially were treated with marked respect, receiving the title of "queen-mother." (Comp.1Kings 2:19;1Kings 15:13.) This seems to be the reason why the mothers of Jewish kings are so constantly mentioned,e.g.,1Kings 14:31;1Kings 15:2;2Kings 12:1. At the present time the mother of the Khedive ranks before his principal wife. . . .
Verses 1-9. - Part VIII. SECOND APPENDIX TO THE SECOND COLLECTION, containing "the words of Lemuel" on the subjects of impurity and intemperance.
Verse 1. -
Thesuperscription.The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy which his mother taught him. Who is intended by "Lemuel king" is much disputed. Those who connect the following word
massa ("oracle") with the preceding
melek ("king"), translate "King of Massa," as
Proverbs 30:1 (where see note). Of the country, or the king, or his mother, we have absolutely no information. The name Lemuel, or Lemoel (ver. 4), means "unto God,"
i.e. dedicated to God, like Lael (
Numbers 3:24); hence it is regarded by many authorities, ancient and modern, as an appellation of Solomon, one from infancy dedicated to God and celled by him Jedidiah, "beloved of the Lord" (
2 Samuel 12:25). But there is nothing in the contents of this section to confirm this idea; indeed, there are expressions which militate against it. Possibly Hezekiah may be meant, and his remarkable piety somewhat confirms the opinion; yet we see no reason why he should be here addressed under a pseudonym, especially if we consider that he himself was concerned in making this collection. On the whole, it seems best to take Lemuel as a symbolical name, designating an ideal king, to whom an ideal mother addressed the exhortation which follows. Solomon's own proverbs contain many warnings against the very sins of which this mother speaks, so that the section is conceived in the spirit of the earlier portion of the book, though it is assigned to a different author and another age.
The prophecy (
massa); the inspired utterance (see on ch. 30:1). This maternal counsel forms one compact exhortation, which might with more propriety be so termed than the words of Agur.
His mother. The mother of a reigning king was always regarded with the utmost respect, taking precedence of the king's wife. Hence we so often find the names of kings' mothers in the sacred record;
e.g.1 Kings 2:19;
1 Kings 14:21;
1 Kings 15:2;
2 Kings 12:1. It is difficult to say what reading was seen by the LXX., who render, "My words have been spoken by God, the oracle of a king whom his mother instructed." There are many wise women mentioned in Scripture;
e.g. Miriam, Deborah, the Queen of Sheba, Huldah, etc., so there is nothing incongruous in Lemuel being instructed by his mother in wisdom.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The wordsדִּ֭בְרֵי(diḇ·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeof Kingמֶ֑לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingLemuel—לְמוּאֵ֣ל(lə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3927:Lemuel -- king of Massaan oracleמַ֝שָּׂ֗א(maś·śā)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4853:A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desirethatאֲֽשֶׁר־(’ăšer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathis motherאִמּֽוֹ׃(’im·mōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )taught him:יִסְּרַ֥תּוּ(yis·sə·rat·tū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3256:To discipline, chasten, admonish
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel (Prov. Pro Pr) 
