August 31, 2025 -- Proverbs 31:1-2 -- Growing up tutored by wisdom

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The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?  Proverbs 31:1-2 ESV
 
A series of questions; what a strange way to begin this chapter of Proverbs. Chapter divisions are artificial, not inserted in the Bible until the 1300’s. So, originally, the Proverbs didn’t have these divisions. There’d be headings, like what is counted as verse 1 in today’s reading, but the point is, what is now chapter 31 would stand as the summary of the whole book of wisdom. The King's mother is obviously a woman of wisdom, who has raised her child in God's way.
 
King Lemuel's godly mother called on her son, from his youth onwards, to evaluate his steps, his words and his way of life. For however long he lived a son in her household, she influenced him, taught him and showed Him the glories of God. Are you, fathers and mothers, constantly attentive to your children so that they are raised in the of the LORD? Are you, fellow church members, attentive to the toddlers and youth in the church so they are part of a whole community that is invested in the others, and supportive in the ways of holiness?
 
The repetition of the question is emphatic. To the question she adds the phrase “son of my womb”. Wisdom, depicted as a woman through-out the Proverbs, is now a mother commanding her son to live in the way of wisdom. Wisdom is intimate. It is familial. It affects the interactions between the family members. It is a way of justice. Are you, fathers and mothers, fellow members of the community of faith, like Eunice and Lois, faithful mothers and grandmothers, keenly and persistently and for the full eighteen years of their youth, guiding in the way of holiness?
 
Now the repetition is superlative and to it is added the phrase “son of my vows”. He is a covenant child. He is born into a marriage where a father and a mother both invest their time, efforts and love so that a son is raised to know the LORD and live wisdom. A son of a mother’s vows is warned against the way of prostitutes—women of folly—who through-out this book are those who intentionally and with malice seek to lead godly men from the path of holiness to the way of destruction. A godly marriage is a good example for a child, so that he grows up with this blessed model of holiness before his eyes. Are you, fathers and mothers, fellow members of the believing community, upholding the importance of marriage vows, of holiness in singleness? Are you providing such fellowship and sweet community that single or married, widowed or widower, young or old, all have an important place in the covenant community which belongs to God by covenant vows?
 
Going to church is more than something for you to do as an individual. Going to church means meeting with the people of God, enjoying fellowship, discipling others, welcoming prodigals, encouraging the weak, giving of yourself in holy sacrifice so that together, by the work of the Spirit, each member grows, maturing in Christ, and this to the glory of God the Father. Get to church. Get involved. Get connected with others. Encourage those around you. Pray specifically for the ones who are in need.
 
Father in heaven, forgive us for the times we delighted to be Your son or daughter, but did not acknowledge those, who by the same grace given in Jesus Christ, are our dear brothers and sisters. Forgive us dearest Father, for the radical individuality which greedily welcomes Your blessings into our own lives, but neglects to share such blessings with those who beside us and near us, are also cleansed by the healing blood of Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, lead us in holy boldness to welcome one another in Christ. Spirit of wisdom give us tender hearts so that we attend to the needs of those around us, or, are prepared ourselves to be humble, vulnerable and open to the ministry we might receive from those You have purposefully put into our pathway. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/oEUskp1e2bg?si=2tVPS_fg7rXTNXhj By Faith
 

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