Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: The First Proverbs 31 Woman

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 31:1-9.

The name “Lemuel” means “dedicated to God.” Though absolute certainty is not possible, this may very well be a pseudonym for King Hezekiah. He has learned wisdom from his mother, a faithful woman who passed the Word of God to her son. She gives him wisdom particularly for his service as a king concerning three topics. She warns against adultery as harmful not only to the king, but to his kingdom as well. She warns against drunkenness as leading the king to sins against both God and his subjects, while commending the enjoyment of God’s gift of alcohol in God-pleasing ways. She exhorts kings to speak up for justice for those who are the most defenseless. All earthly kings who would be godly aspire to such an example; Jesus is the King who has lived this wisdom perfectly for us.

“Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Proverbs 31:1-9

The Words of King Lemuel

31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

²What are you doing, my son?^[a] What are you doing, son of my womb?
    What are you doing, son of my vows?
³Do not give your strength to women,
    your ways to those who destroy kings.
⁴It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    or for rulers to take strong drink,
⁵lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress;^[b]
⁷let them drink and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.
⁸Open your mouth for the mute,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.^[c]
⁹Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Footnotes

Proverbs 31:2 Hebrew What, my son?
Proverbs 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul
Proverbs 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).