ResponsiveReiding

The “Virtuous” (Strong or Valiant) Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

THE AUDIO FOR THIS SERMON CAN BE FOUND HERE

NOTE: As one who really loves words, I was caught in a wonderful mistake in this sermon. I used the word “WIZENED” as one who in time has become wise. But as one astute congregant noted – the word WIZENED means shriveled or weather beaten – NOT made wise. It is always great fun (not to mention ALSO embarrassing) to get caught. But at lest I know for sure one person was listening and listening well. The faulty audio is corrected here in print.

IN THE FIRST PLACE, this passage is very plain.

With no debate of any kind, Solomon is rehearsing the “oracle” or inspired message Lemuel’s mother gave him.

We met both of them in vs. 1 of this chapter.

In this 2^nd part (vss. 10-31) she helps her son realize what kind of woman he needs to look for in a wife.

She notes 1^st:

SHE IS “EXCELLENT”        – STRONG

– VALIANT

A word in the Hebrew most often translated as valiant. It is used by the angel who approaches Gideon in Judges when he addresses Gideon as a “mighty man of valor” – Valor = Excellence.

This woman self-possessed, not wishy washy, obsequious or servile –

No – “whatever you say master”.

This is no brainless, un-opinionated ornament.

She is a match for him.

SHE IS “RARE” – which is what makes her so valuable.

Lemuel’s mother says: Don’t look for average, or just pretty – look for someone who can bring something to the table,

Because she has a brain and can interact with you and challenge you on your level.

You can hire a house keeper.

You can hire a cook.

You can hire a governess.

You can’t hire a true partner an “excellent wife” – you have to marry her.

In the verses following, Lemuel’s Mother sums up this EXCELLENT wife in 6 Traits:

1. 11-12, 23 / GOODWILL.
2. 13-16, 24 / INDUSTRY.
3. 17-19, 27 / THOUGHTFULNESS.
4. 20 / CHARITABLE.
5. 21, 25 / FEARLESS.
6. 26 / WISE KINDNESS.

So far, so good.

These things are clearly evident.

This is wise counsel to all you marriageable young men out there.

And young marriageable women – take note,

There aren’t a lot of guys looking for this much quality in a woman.

It is a rare man that does.

Neither of you ought to just settle.

But as we’ve seen throughout this study, if we stop there, we come away with good advice, but not much food for our souls, and not much by way of what this might mean to us in terms of Christ, His Kingdom and such.

For those, we need to dig a bit deeper.

But before we get there, let me make one observation about the practical application of this portion in its first setting.

A WORD OF WARNING: One of the most problematic ways Christians can approach the Scriptures – is to be wrapped up in seeing how a specific portion applies to someone else.

Nowhere is this more true than in a passage like this one, or in Eph. 5; Col. 3; Titus 2 & 1 Peter 3 – where husbands and wives are addressed.

When going to such portions – it is NEVER the province of the husband to wave those passages under the nose of their wives – NOR of the wives to wave them under the noses of their husbands.

Husbands are to read THEIR portions and submit to them – WHETHER OR NOT their wives properly deal with their portions – and vice versa.

Each must answer to GOD for THEIR OWN responsibilities.

Untold damage has been done to many a good woman who has had a boorish, selfish, self-righteous, controlling jerk of a husband turn to a passage like this & ask why their wife doesn’t measure up.

That is to ABUSE the Word of God, NOT to use it.

Sadly, due to our sinful tendencies, such a warning has to be issued.

That said, let me point out a few other key things we need to understand about the passage as a whole.

NOTE: THIS IS AN IDEAL.

Some commentators say it functions like a HEROIC POEM – giving an outsized or exaggerated portrait to stir the emotions – something like the proportions on Michelangelo’s David.

In the sculpture, David is uncharacteristically over-sized – a giant. (16’ – 11.5”)

And at that both his head and his hands are disproportionately large.

It is meant to accent his heroism, mind and ability.

So with the picture painted here of the “EXCELLENT” wife.

This is not meant to be a daunting yoke around the neck, it is meant to be INSPIRING. To say “WOW! I want to be like that!”

High ideals are always good to aspire to – if we remember perfection, while aimed at, will not be achieved in this life.

That said, I don’t believe we’ve gotten to the best application for us in our circumstances and as the Church in the New Covenant era.

For this we need to reach beyond – and I would argue that above everything else…this passage is MEANT to be…

3. A STUNNING PORTRAIT of Christ’s Bride, as the Church is supposed to be to Jesus Christ in this world.

I am not alone is thinking this portion refers to church more than simply to “wives” as a whole.

Venerable Bede / John Gill / Wordsworth / Ambrosius / Augustine / Harry Ironside / Robert Hawker / Peter Lillback (Pres. of WTS) / Others.

Ephesians 5:31–32 NOTES: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

The Bride of Christ is one of the various euphemisms for the Church – and by no means the least.

Rev. 21-22 especially focus on this image of the Church as Christ’s Bride as summing up the wonder of our relationship to Him.

And these are the qualities He spells out as those He is looking for in His Bride – the Church.

These 22 verses are more highly stylized than any chapter in the Bible.

It is BOTH an acrostic AND a chiasmus

ACROSTIC: Each successive verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Once again, it presents an ideal – something to which no individual woman can attain.

It seems evident then that something truly extraordinary is going on here.

As we know that all marriage is intended to mirror Christ and His Church,

And all men are to live and love as a living illustration of Christ and all women are to live and love as a living illustration of the Church –

So this highly idealized picture of the woman Lemuel ought to pursue finds its highest ideal in the Church Christ Himself pursues.

CHIASMUS: You can see the parallel thoughts if you map it out.

A: High value of a good wife (v. 10)

B: Husband benefited by wife (vv. 11–12)

C: Wife works hard (vv. 13–19)

D: Wife gives to poor (v. 20)

E: No fear of snow (v. 21a)

F: Children clothed in scarlet (v. 21b)

G:        Coverings for bed, wife wears linen (v. 22)

H: Public respect for husband (v. 23)

G´:       Sells garments and sashes (v. 24)

F´:    Wife clothed in dignity (v. 25a)

E´:        No fear of future (v. 25b)

D´:   Wife speaks wisdom (v. 26)

C´:       Wife works hard (v. 27)

B´:    Husband and children praise wife (vv. 28–29)

A:´       High value of a good wife (vv. 30–31)^[1]

As I already mentioned – these are summed up in 6 qualities:

Let’s think through them as they apply to the Church – the Bride of Christ.

1. 11-12, 23 / TRUSTWORTHY IN GOOD WILL.

Can we as the Church say that we have Christ’s good name as a priority?  Remember Jesus’ priority in the Lord’s Prayer? The “hallowing” of His Father’s name.

So we read in 1 Peter 2 how it is central to the Church’s call and mission in the world to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light!”

Does Christ, having called us to co-labor with Him in His church, have confidence in us to do His cause and name good?

Can He trust is to use the gifts He has given us to be used to seek the glory of His name in making His person and work known to a fallen world?

2 TIMOTHY 1:14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

JUDE 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

2 TIMOTHY 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

This last Wednesday, Al Sabel was teaching on the parable of the “talents” in Matthew – where Jesus graphically describes His Kingdom as one where He commits His gifts and graces into our hands, and then returns to see if we’ve made good on them – honored Him in investing them and seeing them used in His best interest.

So in these verses:

1. The heart of her husband trusts in her
2. He will have no lack of gain
3. She does Him good, and not harm
4. Her husband has a good reputation because of her

This is part and parcel of what it means for us to be The Church in respect to Christ as our husband.

1. 13-16, 24 / INDUSTRIOUS.

Is the Church busy in building up the household of faith?

– Preaching the Gospel / Missions (Mark 16:15)

– Training the next generation.

1. 17-19, 27 / THOUGHTFUL ABOUT LIFE.

19 – Double strength yarns.

Engaging cultural issues

Thinking deeply about current issues from a Biblical worldview

1 PETER 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 PETER 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

1 PETER 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1. 20 / CHARITABLE.

Do we have compassionate hearts toward the suffering that sin has brought into this world?

MATTHEW 10:8e You received without paying; give without pay.

Do we act in both the concrete and the spiritual?

1. 21, 25 / FEARLESS.

Is the Church fearless in our generation?

Do we really trust Him in our dark hours, or do we cave to the Culture?

ROMANS 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

How timely in light of the recent SCOTUS ruling.

Will we preach, teach and practice God’s morality, or the World’s.

Will they scare us into capitulation or silence?

Or have we prepared ourselves by looking to Christ and strengthening ourselves in His promises?

1. 26 / WISE AND KIND.

Truth without compassion soon becomes MEAN

Compassion without truth soon becomes EMPTY SEMTIMENTALITY

PSALM 85:10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Is the Church – are we @ ECF filled with the wisdom of how God sees the world?

And are we representatives and dispensers of His great kindness in the Gospel?

Do we only stand for sound doctrine, while harboring cold or harsh hearts?

Do we have care and concern for people’s sufferings, but do so at the expense of failing to bring the truth of God’s word and the Gospel to hearts and minds for their eternal good?

We can never err on one said or the other – we are called to both in this world.

CONCLUSIONS: 

1. Grateful children & husband.

When the Church is carrying out its charge, those saved and blessed under its ministry, and the Christ who is its Lord BLESS.

Worship & Commendation.

2. This is an image of TRUE excellence.

It is a preventative against lop-sidedness.

3. Heart beauty supersedes physical beauty.

It produces beauty in holiness of character over and above worrying about how attractive to the outside world it might “appear” though externally pleasing the World’s eye.

4. She will be rewarded.

She would rather hear “well done” from Christ, than approval from society, culture or even other religious bodies. She wants to please her “Husband” above all.

Take away: It has been the tendency of every generation of serious Christians to reinvent the Church in their age and context.

What should the Church look like?

What is its mission?

How should we think about styles of worship?

But in the end, those are not the thoughts of Christ regarding how His Church ought to look and appear in society – This is.

She is to be:

1. 11-12, 23 / Trustworthy in Goodwill.

The trustworthy guardian of His reputation and truths: Of His household

1. 13-16, 24 / Industrious.

She is to be about the business that is dearest to His heart and the maintenance of His household.

1. 17-19, 27 / Thoughtful about life.

She is to be engaged with the deep things of life, and not one with her hear buried in the sand and unaware of the world in which she lives.

1. 20 / Charitable.

She is to be as generous with the mercy and grace of Christ in proportion to how she has been the beneficiary of His mercy and grace.

1. 21, 25 / Fearless.

She is to be fearless in facing the days ahead, knowing the gifts and resources Christ has given her are more than sufficient to see her through, until the day when He returns and sets all right.

1. 26 / Wise and Kind.

She is to be both wise in the ways of righteousness and winsome in proclaiming and living that righteousness in the world.

One last thought – we become this kind of Bride to Him, as we contemplate how He is this kind of Husband to us.

Who is more:       Full of Good will toward His Own?

Unceasing in the more extreme labor for us

Full of truth about all of life that affects us

Full of grace to overflowing

Fearless to face the Cross for our salvation

The sum of all wisdom, and the infinite kindness of God incarnate

Husbands – want a wife like the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Be a Proverbs 31 Husband.

^[1] Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (vol. 14; The New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 248.

Proverbs 31:1-9 Part 4

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 19:11-16

THE AUDIO FOR THIS SERMON CAN BE FOUND HERE

We’ve looked at these 9 verses exclusively from the vantage point of the Believer’s destiny to rule and reign with Christ. And therefore the call to live NOW with that royal glory as just before us. And that in 3 critical areas.

In fact, passages like this one need to be peeled, a bit like an onion.

In this case, in 3 layers.

The first layer is that which most plainly lays on the surface – this portion is first of all the words of Lemuel’s mother regarding 3 key areas of his personal behavior regarding his ability to rule and reign as a GOOD king, righteously.

The initial application then being to any who are given places of responsibility with authority over others.

In vss. 2-3 / One needs to have clear commitment to MORALITY. In this case specifically, sexual morality – since it is central to morality as a whole.

Secondly in vss. 4-7 / One needs to avoid those INFLUENCES which might skew their judgement. Specifically in this case – she cites intoxicating drinks.

Lastly 8 & 9, she admonishes him to not forget to guard the rights of those who cannot speak up for and defend themselves – the mute, destitute, poor and needy. To speak up for them and secure JUSTICE for them.

Now our work in interpreting such a passage is not done unless we move beyond mere moral and ethical considerations, and move into the spiritual application to the Church.

So we saw a (2^nd Layer) This we did by seeing how as Christians – the Redeemed, we have a destiny to one day rule and reign with Christ.

Being destined for that exalted place one day, we wanted to see how these same admonitions apply to us.

What it means because of OUR royal calling.

To be a People who walk in moral uprightness – displaying Christ.

Being clear headed and sober-minded through the influence of the Holy Spirit instead of the myriad of earthly intoxicants or influences which might skew our judgement.

And last to be those who also seek justice in this world, while lifting up our voices in preaching to Gospel to and interceding in prayer for those who are spiritually mute, destitute, poor and needy.

How to conduct ourselves as Christ’s Church especially in this lost and broken world.

(3^rd Layer) Today then we want to attempt to finish our look at these 9 verses by inquiring what they might reveal to us in terms of the person of Jesus Christ Himself.

For we have never fully understood any passage until something of Christ and His glory is revealed to us.

We are reminded of Jesus’ own words in this regard: John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

And again after His resurrection with the 2 on the road to Emmaus: Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

One of the most destructive patterns that can creep into the Church is when we teach the Bible as collection of moral or ethical lessons, instead of digging deep enough to discover the revelation of Christ – the Glory of God in it.

The Bible is not a book of good advice, or even of simply “Christian” ethics – it is first and foremost God’s self-revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ.

If all the Bible is to you is good advice – you can learn every one of its ethical precepts and carry them out to the fullest – and still die and lose your soul in an eternal Hell.

This is absolutely vital to understand. A matter of literal life and death.

One more brief word of introduction.

One of the things the Bible often does is mix its metaphors.

It does this to tease out other and complimentary truths about the same thing.

EXAMPLE: Jesus is both the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb slain for sinners.

EXAMPLE: John 10: Jesus is the DOOR of the Sheepfold (7); He is “the Good Shepherd” (11); He enters BY the door (vs 2) but also IS the Door AND the Shepherd who enters.

When we do not allow for this mixing of metaphors, we run the danger of absolutizing them.

For instance, we know that Eph. 2 notes that sinners are DEAD in their trespasses and sins. And so they are. But not SO dead that they are not to be preached to, lived righteously before, reasoned with from the Scriptures and still morally responsible for their thoughts and actions.

So in this passage.

We’ve looked at how we are destined to be Kings ruling and reigning WITH Christ, but the Bible also uses a different metaphor to round out some of these ideas. One which will play a major role in the rest of this chapter – though we want to apply it in these 9 verses right now.

SO – While we ARE called to rule and reign with Him – The passage also piques our interest in considering the same three things we’ve already seen, and how they apply to Christ Himself in HIS kingly role.

1. vss. 1-2 / Jesus Christ our King is Absolutely FAITHFUL to His Own.

He is not promiscuous with His love, but is EXCLUSVELY betrothed to and committed to – but ONE BRIDE, not many.

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

This notion of Christ’s exclusive relationship with His Church – His people, begs 2 very important applications.

2 applications:

1. It is common in our culture today to hear that all religions are basically the same.

In the cast of the old adage that “all roads lead to Rome” – so (some say) all religions lead to God or to Heaven.

That God does not discriminate against any religion or approach to Him.

But this is not the testimony of Scripture.

And that Jesus makes VERY exclusive claims is beyond question.

Just before His betrayal, as Jesus was talking with His disciples He said:

John 14:2–4 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”

Thomas, in his guileless way says in response: John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

To which Jesus responds: John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am THE way, and THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Where I am going is to God the Father.

And the Way to get to Him is BY ME – I AM The Way to Him.

The truth of all of this is wrapped up in ME.

The Disciples clearly understood this reality. For instance, Matthew notes Jesus saying in His Gospel: Matthew 11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

And John therefore records Jesus saying that everything had been given to Jesus by the Father,: John 5:23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

And then later in his own epistle John writes: 1 John 2:23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

To go to God, one must acknowledge His Son AS the Son, or remain lost.

1. How He is faithfully committed to His own so that He will never leave us, lose us or fail to complete the work He has begun in us.

John 6:35–39 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

The Faithfulness of Jesus Christ is central to our salvation.

If you are a Christian today, you are one because He is faithful to complete the Father’s Will, which includes saving and preserving those given to Him by the Father.

2. vss. 4-7 / Jesus Christ our King is UNERRINGLY Wise in all His dealings with us.

In Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. (Col. 2:9)

He IS the very Wisdom of God Himself. (Col. 2:3)

He is never swayed by anything other than His own perfect knowledge, which in omniscience is absolutely comprehensive, and in His justice and perfection never fails to do what it perfect and upright and just.

Not a few Christians here have gone through trials and tribulations in their lives, where they wondered if there was any rhyme or reason to it.

And our assurance is that because Christ Jesus our Savior is sovereign over His universe, there is ALWAYS perfect wisdom behind the circumstances of our lives.

Even when the Enemy of our souls attacks us, we can know nothing can happen to us but by His divine permission, and that by His blood there is nothing He cannot and does not redeem for our ultimate, good, blessing and happiness if we will but trust Him in it.

Romans 8:35–37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:28–30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Note that first sentence – this we KNOW.

We don’t surmise it, or merely Hope it, – we KNOW it!

Not because “things” themselves just “always work out” but because the Christ who saved us by His blood is at work in us, bringing us safely to the Father, and that, so that we might one day appear without spot or blemish – but be completely conformed to His glorious image.

Some of that work in us is painful, difficult, complex and long term – but He will use all of Creation and every personality and circumstance around us to bring it to completion.

Oh what a mighty Savior we serve!

And how that flows right into this 3^rd application.

3. Jesus Christ our King is perpetually raising His voice in administrating justice, AND, interceding for His saints.

We do not have time to develop the nature of Jesus’ administration of justice this morning, if we are to look a little more carefully at His intercession – which I plan to do today.

Perhaps we can revisit this area another time.

So let’s note then the wonder of Christ’s intercession for His Redeemed Ones.

First notice how His blood is more than sufficient for all of our sins!

1 John 2:1–2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. ² He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

But then secondly, His pleading on our behalf.

Hebrews 7:22–25 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. ²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

He is our Great Advocate and Intercessor.

In our sinfulness we need an Advocate – one who can vouch for our righteousness because it is His own righteousness imputed to us.

And one who continues to pray for us, to intercede before the Father’s throne on our behalf.

Christian, have you ever stopped to think that you are the topic of discussion between God the Father and God the Son?

That in that discussion, Christ is your great champion, never ceasing to ask the Father for the riches of His grace to be poured out on you?

He is! This is a staggering truth.

If no one else in all the world is praying for you Believer, if you think yourself all alone and abandoned – remember this: Jesus Christ THINKS of you and ever lives to lovingly and personally carry you and your needs to God the Father – without ceasing.

Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

When Jesus pleads for his people, his pleas are omnipotent, and God will never deny to his Son the reward of his soul-travail. I suppose that, in heaven, Christ pleads for his people vocally, but it is not at all needful that he should; for his very presence there is an irresistible plea. If someone were pleading before an earthly court, and if he had been an old soldier, and had rendered valiant service to his country, if he were to bare his breast, and show the scars of the wounds that he received in battle, he would not have to say much, for his scars would plead better than any words could; and Jesus in heaven lifts his hand and feet, and shows his piercèd side. His scarred person, still adorned with the marks of his passion and death, is an everlasting and overwhelming plea. If Jesus pleads for me, can his Father reject me? If so, he must also reject his Son, he must refuse the authoritative requests of his only-begotten and well-beloved Son he must deny to Jesus that which he well deserves; and that he never can do. O believer, if you still have any doubts about your acceptance in Christ, let them fly before this fourth mighty blow, “who also maketh intercession for us.”^[1]

Jesus Christ our King is FAITHFUL to us in all He does

He sovereignly rules our lives and all of creation in perfect wisdom

And He intercedes for us with the Father – unceasingly and unerringly.

What a glorious King He is to His People!

^[1] C. H. Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons (vol. 53; London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1907), 571.

Proverbs 31

Part 3

Living Like Kings

Proverbs 31:1-9; Deut. 10:17-22; 16:18-20; 2 Sam. 23:3-4

 THE AUDIO FOR THIS SERMON CAN BE FOUND HERE

As mentioned the last 2 times, the language of this final chapter forces us to go back to the very beginning of the book.

These 1^st 9 verses especially, addressing “KINGS”.

Once again we note that we actually come full circle in the book.

Solomon is preparing his son for the throne,

Lemuel’s mother is preparing him for the throne –

and The Holy Spirit is preparing all of Christ’s blood bought ones for the throne.

As we read in Rev. 5:9–10 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

So far – we’ve seen 2 vital principles:

In the natural: I. 2-3 / KINGS CANNOT RULE WELL IF THEY ARE MORALLY COMPROMISED.

In the Spiritual: 1. The Church cannot represent the Gospel to the World if WE are a morally compromised Church.

In the natural: II. 4-7 / KINGS CANNOT RULE WELL IF THEIR PERCEPTIONS AND JUDGEMENTS ARE SKEWED BY UNHEALTHY INFLUENCES.

In the Spiritual: 2. The Church cannot represent the Gospel to the World if we are not sober in our perceptions and judgments.

So in vss. 8-9 we have our 3^rd Principle: III. 8-9 / KINGS CANNOT RULE WELL IF THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITES ABOVE THEIR OWN FIAT.

Proverbs 31:8–9 Open your mouth for the mute,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Charles Bridges notes: Very soundly does the wise mother inculcate mercy in her royal son. This is one of the pillars of the king’s throne (20:28 [kjv]). He must be the father of his people, using all his authority to protect those who cannot protect themselves. No case of distress, when coming to his knowledge, should be refused his attention. Thus our law makes the judge the counsel for the prisoner who is unable to plead for himself. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”^[1]

In ruling well – It is the duty of Kings to protect, provide, & insure justice for, those, who by reason of age or defect cannot protect, provide or speak up for themselves.
This is true in every strata of authority from the home to the state to the Church.

It is a popular misconception that part of the Hippocratic Oath which Physicians take states: “First do no harm.” Prob. A 19^th century phrase.

But it fits well here.

Those in power must look out for those over whom they rule.

Their position of rulership is first & foremost a position of CARE.

To make decisions & to administrate justice in the way which is best for human flourishing for ALL under their care.

This is the rule in all ministry as well – & why those who function as elders & deacons (or any other role) are charged with protecting others from false doctrines which wound & kill the soul, as well as feeding them on the most healthful of all things – The Word of God.

This is how we can do you the most good!

3. The Church cannot represent the Gospel to the World if we do not recognize rights & responsibilities above ourselves.

In this sense we realize the Church is NOT self-governing, but under the Lordship of Christ.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

It is the duty of Believers to protect, provide, & insure justice for, those, who by reason of age or defect cannot protect, provide or speak up for themselves.
The Church cannot serve as Christ’s vice-regents if we are not impartial and given over to justice and the rights of those who are poor and unable to defend themselves.

There is no question that God was greatly invested in Israel being a nation that operated in administering justice to its people, instead of despotic fiat.

Lex Rex (before Samuel Rutherford – 1600’s) to Christus Rex – under the Lordship of God Himself was to guide their dealings.

The Church can do no less.

We are to be vitally interested in what is justice, especially for those who are poor or marginalized and helpless.

Those who cannot, either due to age or circumstances seek justice for themselves.

The Church is to be a champion of justice in the world.

We might say this is the first layer of application we must take from this passage.

But secondly, we have to see how this especially applies to “Opening OUR Mouths.”

Notice these words repeated twice: “Open your Mouth”
When we see our governments failing in these matters – it is our responsibility to speak up.

When for instance, our government pursues the allowance of abortion in our society – it is The Church who has the 1^st responsibility to decry it & protect the rights of those unborn babies who cannot speak for themselves, nor protect nor provide for themselves.

When policies like the promotion of state sponsored gambling which preys upon those least able to recognize the damage it does & wreaks havoc in the parts of society who can least sustain that damage – it is the Church who must speak up.

We must not be afraid to OPEN OUR MOUTHS.

We could site many, many others such concerns, like legalized prostitution, or same sex marriage – but there is a 3^rd layer which is still more crucial to take in.

All that we have said thus far is true in the cultural realm, but I believe the text leads us to understand it even more so in the spiritual context.

Yet even before we unpack that 3^rd layer – let us be reminded how it is that Christ will bring justice when He comes.

We need to constantly remind ourselves that Jesus will at last bring to right every wrong.

No one will escape.

Those countless millions who have suffered under tyrants, despots, systems, civil OR religious &/or individuals will one day see justice poured out.

No one escapes justice when they die.

Each will be resurrected to stand before the throne of God to give an account and to “receive” from Him, regarding those things done while they were alive in their bodies.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

This is why we must be doubly careful not to seek revenge or retribution as Christ’s people – but entrust final justice in His hands.

Because He IS just, He cannot over-punish any, nor can He err and UNDER-punish any.

So what then is that 3^rd layer which I think we need to give special attention to here?

In the twice repeated “open your mouth” do we not have the most urgent call to prayer?

For even if we cannot bring about justice in our age, we CANtake up the cause of those who cannot plead for themselves, who are either too young, or by defect of some kind unable – to plead for themselves.

After all, who are more unable to even perceive their own need than the lost?

Blind and deaf and insensible of their state.

Unable to cry out for themselves.

Are we not to intercede for them?

Are we not to take their cause before the Throne of Grace – to plead for their souls and that they might find justice in the cross of Christ rather than stand before it in themselves on the Day of Judgment?

If we haven’t done this for our cultural and governmental leaders who are apart from Christ – then all our other speaking up and into the society will have little or no effect!

We’ve only done ½ of our job if all we’ve done is decry sin & injustice – the texts calls us to open our mouths twice!

Decry – yes! But ALSO – plead on behalf of these still so lost they don’t even know to plead for themselves.

Isn’t this the heart of Paul in Rom. 3 when he cries that he wishes he might be accursed so that his brothers & sisters in Judaism might know the Redeemer

Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Who are more mute before God, not even pleading their own cause than the lost?

Who are more destitute than those who are without Christ?

Who are more poor and needy than those who have none of the blood of Christ to cover their shame and their guilt, and have nothing of Christ’s Holy Spirit indwelling them?

As those destined to rule and reign with Jesus – the one whom says of Himself that He: “came to seek and to save the lost” – do we not take into account the great day of reckoning and in it plead now for an end to the violence on earth,

An end to war to rape & abuse & rage & injustice of all kinds?

Ought we not to be praying Father “THY will be done on this earth as it is in Heaven”

Can’t we open our mouths BOTH TO those perishing, in announcing the Gospel, & TO the Father to have mercy upon them & to free them from the grossest of cosmic injustices in having been lied to by the Devil and kept in their darkness by his machinations?
No where can we be a more impactful people than upon our knees – pleading.

To open our mouths for those loved ones, sons, daughters, spouses, siblings, fathers, mothers, friends, relatives & strangers who still need the mercy of our Savior!

“Open your mouth” Lemuel’s mother tells him – “open your mouth” – cry out to the God who hears & answers and whose Gospel is to reach the farthest corners of the earth – to “every living creature” as Jesus told His disciples.

Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Matthew 9:37–38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸ therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Open your mouth says Jesus that the Lord of the Harvest may send many workers into the field.

Open your mouth to plead for those who have sinned against you that they might not stand before the throne of Judgment naked without Christ’s righteousness.

For it is such a terrible & unthinkable end as to torment to our own souls that such – even as they – should perish in the Godless terrors of an eternal Hell – without any further hope of redemption.

Lastly – before we leave this text, we need to notice something more: The overarching context in which Lemuel’s mother speaks.

When she mentions “rights” in vss. 8 & 9 – she is appealing to some grand scheme of JUSTICE.

That justice & not Lemuel’s mere opinion or choice must guide him in ruling well.

Something above & outside of himself.

From which we take this idea of 1^st importance: The Gospel itself is rooted in justice.

It is a grave mistake to think that salvation is the cosmic equivalent of olly olly oxen in free (possibly “All ye, all ye ‘outs’ in free,”, or from the German “alle alle auch sind frei” – everyone is also free)

God doesn’t just wave His hand and say “I forgive you.”

The plan of salvation – for God to redeem lost sinners to Himself required a means, one which would provide forgiveness for all who believe, while at the same time preventing the violation of His justice.

How can the Judge of all the universe, spare any sinner without violating His own nature, without being unjust?

He is by nature JUST. He must always act in perfect justice.

Justice requires that sin be paid for – the just sentence for the offender be carried out.

This is precisely why we need – and preach THE CROSS of Christ.

On the Cross, God can pour out His just wrath on the Willing Substitute – Jesus.

The Father willingly accepts His sacrifice, & on the basis of it can offer not merely forgiveness, but a pronouncement of “RIGHTEOUS” – “NOT GUILTY” on the accused.

Jesus takes our guilt upon Himself – pays our penalty – but then rises from the dead to give us eternal life.

Someone else – not guilty of any sin of their own steps up and says “I’ll Pay the Death Penalty.”

The God of the cross justifies the ungodly through Christ’s substitution so that His mercy is not expressed at the expense of His justice.

Lose this – & the Gospel ceases to make any sense.

Only if it is a means to clear the guilty & still preserve justice can we be saved.

Hence the false Gospel of today which says the death of Christ was not penal and substitutionary.

^[1] Charles Bridges, Proverbs (Crossway Classic Commentaries; Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001), 280.