Bathsheba's Advice To Her Son

Proverbs 31, one of the most well-known proverbs among Christian women, contains a wealth of advice regarding life, love, and how a godly woman ought to be.

The first verse, which reads, "The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him," tell us that though this proverb was penned by a man, it was really the relaying of his mother's advice.

There are several theories about who King Lemuel was or was meant to represent, but it is commonly believed by Jews and Christians alike that Lemuel is simply another name for Solomon.

The name Lemuel in Hebrew means "for God" or dedicated to God. Solomon was also called Jedidiah which means "beloved of the LORD."

If Lemuel is Solomon, then the advice given in Proverbs 31 is from Solomon's mother Bathsheba. You know — the woman who was raped by the king and then suffered the death of her husband and her infant child as a consequence of the king's sin.

That's the one. She is a woman who suffered great tragedy at the hands of another human, a woman who dealt with sorrow in an immense way.

She didn't go down in history as a helpless woman who lived her life in sorrow and shame. She was remembered by God in the lineage of Jesus and was clearly used for His glory in the life of her son Solomon.

She was a strong, godly woman with spiritual wisdom and insight. She raised her son for the glory of God, teaching him the way in which he should walk.

In the first section of the proverb, she warned him against various things, including giving his strength to women and indulging in strong drink.

She taught him to speak up for those who don't have a voice, to judge righteously, and to plead the cause of the poor and needy.

How awesome is it that a woman who suffered sexual abuse later encouraged her son to use his power for the good of those who were seen as lesser in society — something his father stumbled in.

In the last section, verses 10-31, she describes in detail the ideal traits of a virtuous wife. She says this woman's worth is far above rubies. She describes a loving, trustworthy, hard-working, compassionate, nurturing, industrious, kind, productive, God-fearing woman.

A virtuous woman is one who loves and cares for her family with sacrificial service.

Bathsheba isn't recorded as speaking of revenge, hatred, or conditional love, as one might expect from someone who was wronged so greatly.

She instead taught her child to do better. She taught him to rise above what is common and pursue godliness.

What an amazing testimony to God's work in her life.

What hope we have knowing that God works through the messiest of circumstances. At the end of the day, no matter what trials may come, God's glory will be made manifest. He is truly great!