Proverbs 31:1
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The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
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Whether Bathsheba's advice to Solomon, Abijah's advice to Hezekiah, or the advice of a foreign queen to her royal son, it matters little. God inspired these words for us, since it is a prophecy; and which is further confirmed by the virtuous woman's summary (31:30).
Solomon wrote 3000 proverbs (I Kings 4:32), but the men of Hezekiah copied out only a few select ones (25:1); and they likely added two appendices - the proverbs of Agur (a wise teacher) and the royal advice of Lemuel's mother, both by God's providence. They could even be the same person; but again, there is no proof nor profit in such conjectures.
God inspired a woman to teach her son rules for moral protection (31:3-7), honorable use of his office (31:3-9), and domestic tranquillity (31:10-31). These are some of the most valuable and pleasant words in the Bible. And every woman should humbly realize it was a woman who gave the lofty description of the virtuous wife that follows.
Wise women will recognize their important role in the training of children, even their sons. Bathsheba taught Solomon (4:3-4; 6:20), and Solomon expected mothers to teach their sons (1:8; 6:20). But helping with homework and doing laundry is not enough; for this woman taught him plainly on real subjects like women, wine, justice, and marriage.
Hannah clearly taught Samuel well for religious life at Shiloh; for we read he worshipped God there, when she left him with Eli, just after his weaning (I Samuel 1:21-28)!
Lois and Eunice, grandmother and mother respectively, communicated their sincere faith to Timothy and taught him the Holy Scriptures from childhood (II Tim 1:5; 3:15).
Let every holy woman rejoice to train her sons in the fear of the Lord and vital issues of life (22:6); and let every son cherish, honor, and obey such a precious mother (1:8; 6:20).
We do not know details of Mary's relationship to Jesus, but we know He was in subjection to her, and she pondered His words in her heart (Luke 2:51). Being a virtuous woman, we know she taught Him good doctrine; and He honored her (John 19:25-27).
Who is king Lemuel? Who is Agur, the son of Jakeh (30:1)? Who were Ithiel and Ucal? What is the book of Jasher (Josh 10:13)? Since the Lord did not tell us, their identities are not important. Let us not speculate about His secrets and miss the inspired wisdom we have here. We know the Author of these words, even if we do not know the writers.
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