Mothers are wise! Such is the case of the mother of Lemuel in Proverbs 31. Much is said of the description of the virtuous woman in the chapter, and rightly so. The woman that is described in the latter verses of the chapter is truly remarkable and worth emulation. But note that the person from whom this description originates is a woman. This is not the fabrication of some sexist male trying to create the mold for the super mom. It is the instruction of a wise mother to her son about the kind of woman that will make a good wife. Yet prior to advising her son on the matter of wife selection, she warns Lemuel against three pitfalls that are common to youth in all ages. (Proverbs 31:1-9)
The first pitfall is infatuation. Some might call it love, but it is indeed infatuation. This is that sweaty palm, palpitating heart, whirling mind feeling you get when you become interested in someone of the opposite sex. There is nothing wrong with the attractions between the sexes, but Lemuel's mother warns him of the damage that misguided relationships can cause. In her words, "it destroys kings." What does she mean by this? It is simple. Relationships can so occupy your being that they distract you from what you should be doing for your future. The choices one makes at these times can literally destroy their aspirations and dreams.
The second pitfall is intoxication. Lemuel's mother warns him against drinking. Drinking has always been a problem. It is a problem today because it has become a fad to get drunk. Drinking mars our judgement and makes us feel we are more in control than we really are. The fact that recent research shows that some of us are genetically more susceptible to alcoholism is a good reason not to drink at all. But, drinking to get drunk is just plain dumb, not to mention immoral. This can also be extended to any substance that impairs us, so taking drugs to get high is just as dumb--nope, that's even dumber!
The final pitfall is injustice. Lemuel's mother warns him to defend the defenseless. Few of us will ever have an official capacity to make judgements on legal matters such as a king might. On the other hand, all of us make choices on how we will treat others every day. The greatest reflection on the kind of person we are is how we treat those who are of less fortune than ourselves. Standing up for that person no one likes, that everybody avoids, that no one talks to, etc., does not necessarily mean challenging others about it. It can simply mean that you notice them, talk to them, and/or like them yourself.
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