Proverbs 31:3
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Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
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The queen mother appealed to her son King Lemuel as only a mother can do and warned him against the greatest threat to his life and reign - women (31:1-3). Kings, due to their power and riches, were great objects of seduction by whorish women. Kings, by their power and riches, lived luxuriously, which promoted lascivious living and the lusts of their eyes and flesh. This great mother despised whores and warned her son against them.
Kings ruled nations, raised armies, and conquered empires. Kings are the greatest rulers in history. They made weighty decisions that affected the lives of those in and out of their kingdoms. They had absolute authority of life and death over every citizen. To influence a king was to influence nations and the lives of millions. For a king to become infatuated with a woman was to give his strength, duty, and honor to the base lusts of his loins!
How many kings have been destroyed by evil women affecting their decisions? Or would it be easier to ask how many kings have not been so affected! The threat was real; the historical record bleak; and the consequences terrible. Kings, and all men in authority, must be stricter and stronger in resisting women than other men. Power is an aphrodisiac and an opportunity for the flesh. On these two counts men in leadership roles must be vigilant. They must deny the flesh to keep themselves, their offices, and their charges.
King Lemuel's mother knew good women, for she wrote the loftiest description of the most perfect woman ever imagined (31:10-31). She wanted her son the king to have one woman - a virtuous, God-fearing woman - to be his wife. She did not desire a harem for him. She did not allow thoughts of mistresses. She despised concubines and courtesans. She knew his success depended on one great woman as his wife. Consider it well, men!
Samson was judge of Israel, but the conniving whore Delilah brought him down to terrible destruction. David had a harem of wives; but taking the wife of one of his best friends brought him sore trouble, nearly destroyed his kingdom, and cost him dearly for the rest of his life. His son Solomon followed David's horrible example against his own wisdom and is left in ignominy and shame in the Bible (I Kgs 11:1-11; Num 13:26).
What can we say about such foolish rulers as Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony, who were seduced and destroyed by the Egyptian whore Cleopatra? Only Augustus knew how to treat her, so she did the best thing for all concerned and committed suicide! Entire history books have been written of royal adultery and sex scandals from ancient Babylon to the Caesars and popes of Rome to Edwardian England. Women have destroyed many rulers!
What are the lessons? Great mothers warn their sons plainly about the danger of whorish women. Great men, especially in positions of authority or leadership, must take extra precautions to be vigilant against this dangerous threat. And if women can destroy gifted rulers, common men should be even more careful. Great women will realize their sexual power and restrain it diligently for righteous purposes only with their husbands.
There is only one King never moved by evil. David wrote of his distant Son, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain" (II Sam 23:3-4). Jesus Christ is that perfect king. Tempted in all points like other men, He never sinned (Heb 4:15). He was moved with eternal affection and dying passion for His one true love - the elect of God His Father that comprise His bride (Ps 45:10-17; Jer 31:3; Eph 5:25-27; Rev 19:5-9)!
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