Strangely enough, and some holier-than-me might discount it, but I’ve read the Bible about ten times over. Each time, I find something different — something that strikes a chord.
So, tonight, in my insomnia, I have to wonder … Why was King Lemuel so important to devote an entire chapter of Proverbs?
Pro 31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
Pro 31:2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
Pro 31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Pro 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?
Pro 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
Pro 31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
Pro 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
Pro 31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.
Pro 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
Pro 31:10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.
I know this is a bit of stirring that’ll annoy some people, but …
You drink, and offer the same, when you feel you’re at the end.
Your wife puts in — and puts out. You’re either partners, or not. Personally, I don’t think it’s too much to ask.
And at the End … You certainly need a damn drink.
Even without the above, treating women with respect isn’t difficult to me.
