Do you know that your relationships, habits and character will always be vital to the core of your existence here on earth? Here are 3 Powerful Life Lessons From a Mother to Her Son.
When a mother sits before her grown son, looks him in the eye and speaks these words to him. What do you think goes through this young man’s mind? Follow me closely.
Perhaps he may sigh, roll his eyes and let out a deep breath saying, ‘Here comes another lecture’. This he does while muttering between clenched teeth, a straight face and his feet sliding from its upright position. He is ready for another masterclass with his mother.
King Lemuel was that young man who was raised in the palace, surrounded by the glory and splendor of royalty. He was tutored by the best of the best, had servants at his beck and call and there was nothing he desired that he could not have. All of his life, he had been groomed for the throne. He was made for Kingship and someone had walked this journey with him, preparing him endlessly for this season.
That person was his mother and she always had wise words to speak and good counsel to give. This king was once again before his mother, but this time around, her words are deeper and her message takes a different tone, so much that he pens down the words for posterity.
What Words Of Wisdom Are You Speaking To Your Child?
This mother goes on to speak to her son about life, women, alcohol and living life without purpose. But then, she begins her conversation with a powerful statement.
You may recall some years ago, there was buzz all over the media about Ex-Ghanaian football star, Nii Odartey Lamptey, after it was revealed that the 3 children he fathered in his 20-year marriage were not his. A DNA test conducted on the three children revealed this.
It was said that Lamptey upon suspecting his wife of infidelity asked for a DNA test to be performed on the three children and he received the shocking news of his life – none of the three children were his. He was married to a promiscuous woman. Now you imagine how such a revelation can mess up a man’s life forever.
Now back to King Lemuel and his mother. The king’s mother begins her conversation by speaking to three very important areas that have the potential to ruin a man’s life
These 3 things have the potential to ruin a man’s life.
1. A promiscuous woman
2. Alcohol
3. A lack of purpose.
1. A Promiscuous Woman
A mother seats with her son and is about to instruct him about life, then begins with this very curious statement.
“Don’t dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.” – Proverbs 31:2-3 The Message Bible
“Do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.”
Proverbs 31:3 NLT
“Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.”-
Proverbs 31:3 KJV
Why will a mother choose to speak these particular words to a grown man who was in a place of influence? Why does she start to counsel her son who is in a place of leadership with this particular statement?
I believe the answer is in the statement itself. The king’s mother begins by painting an image of two kinds of women and the resultant effect of mingling with them. Meanwhile, can I introduce you to a certain woman called Miss Folly?
“The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.
She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. “Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says, “Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!” But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.” – Proverbs 9:13-18 NLT
Miss Folly gives you an insight into the dealings of a promiscuous woman. And this was the kind of woman that the king’s mother wanted him to stay clear off as he journeyed through life. She was simply telling him that there are different kinds of women, but some of them had the ability to sink a man’s destiny. More so, I believe likewise, there are different kinds of men, and some of them have the capacity to ruin your life as a woman.
2. ALCOHOL
Here is what this mother says next.
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer, Lest, hung over, they don’t know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. Proverbs 31:4-6 MSG
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.” Proverbs 31:4-6 NLT
Firstly, she talks about women, and comes in with the dangers of drinking. She then schools her son about why a man who is in a place of influence should not crave alcohol. She had to let her son know in plain words that alcohol especially when taken in excess has the ability to mess up a man’s mind and judgement. ‘You will only end up making a fool of yourself when you gulp wine’, she says.
3. A LACK OF PURPOSE
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
Proverbs 31:4-9 NLT
King Lemuel’s mother concludes her conversation with her son by telling him to find purpose in the place that he has been planted. ‘ Be a voice for the weak and helpless‘, she says. She teaches him through her words the importance of making an impact wherever you are and the beauty of leaving behind a good legacy. She started her conversation with her son by talking about three very important areas of life – relationships, habits and character, And then goes on to show him three likely things that have the potential to shipwreck a man’s destiny.
King Lemuel’s Mother
While this woman and mother is barely talked about in the Bible, her words of wisdom reveals her to us today. Those words she spoke are found in just nine verses of the Bible, yet the impact of her words still live on many years after and will be passed from one generation to the next.
This mother imprinted those words in the heart of her son, so much that we can still read them today. And her son, King Lemuel was gracious enough to write them down for us to read and also to learn from the unforgettable lessons that his mother taught him. Her words continue to instruct men and women around the world. Moreover, these words remain very relevant and much needed in today’s world.
WHAT LESSONS WILL YOU LEAVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN LONG AFTER YOU ARE GONE?
Motherhood is all about purpose and raising kings and queens who will stand in their place as children of the most High God. The words we speak, the values we teach and the lessons we share are seeds that will grow in the hearts and lives of our children.
Are you aware that you are raising the kings and leaders that will shape the course of history tomorrow? What kind of man are you raising? What words are you speaking into your son’s or daughter’s spirit? What lessons are you teaching your son and daughter daily from your own life? What wisdom are you sharing with the boys and girls in your life?
Remember that destiny beckons on you today to decorate the hearts of your children with good counsel. As parents we are to teach and lead our sons and daughters in the path of truth and honesty. And God wants you to fill the hearts of your children with wisdom and enrich their souls with faith and courage for their own life’s journey. Become that mother who is willing and ready to raise a generation of potential kings and queens that will be the light and hope of their generation.
Remember this,
‘A mother’s words and influence has the ability to revolutionize a people, a nation and a generation’.
Will you be one of those mothers?
Image source : Google
This is simply outstanding. Had to share it on my social media handles so other people can read and learn. Great post.
Thank you so much.
I love how you take the wisdom in the book of Proverbs and apply it so practically to instruct your own children. That is such a wise and prudent thing to do!
Thank you ma’am. I appreciate your presence here. The book of proverbs has so many wisdom nuggets for daily living.
We often forget the incredible impact we have on our children as we deal with the mundane everyday aspects of life. Thank you for this encouragement!
Yes. This is so true Patti. May we be conscious of our role as parents. Thanks for engaging.
So powerful! Especially good reminder for those of us who have sons we want to raise as godly men.
Thanks so much for reading.
As the mom of two sons, this ministered to me deeply today, friend! Thank you!
I am glad this ministered to you Stacey. Blessings.
Thank you for this great reminder! It can be hard to emulate Christ-like characteristics in front of our children all the time, but sitting down with them and truly talking to them, teaching them the ways of God, is so vital!
Thanks for reading and for the tips you shared here.
I love the advice and example of Lemuel’s mother. So needed and practical.
Such a good reminder, Ufuoma, we are stewards of our children’s hearts when they are young. I agree that these three areas are so vital – relationships, habits and character.
This is so beautiful and powerful. I love how you used King Lemuel and his mother to illustrate the needed conversations between today’s mothers and sons.
So wonderfully spoken.