What his mother taught him

I went to a women in church leadership training conference yesterday for work. Whenever a bunch of females get together somebody breaks out Proverbs 31 as if it were the only section of scripture that speaks to us. I'll admit I have verses 10 through 31 handwritten on pretty paper tacked onto my wall and I believe that every woman and girl needs to hear these words, but I was a bit irritated when the speaker asked us to turn in our bibles to this particular chapter.

Then she started reading from the chapter I had thought I knew, yet the words she was saying were so unfamiliar.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

They were verses 8 and 9, directly before the section that we so often glean from in women's ministry. Why had nobody told me these verses? Why had I read through Proverbs, but never taken in the sayings of King Lemuel?

Because I'm narcissistic and my eyes jumped immediately to the character of a noble wife. Because when I read scripture, I need it to tell me good things about myself. Because I have been fed a lie both in my church and community that women are of lesser value, and I therefore jump at the sight of females getting a little recognition. Because I'm obsessed with weddings, children, and all things domestic.

Because being commanded to stick up for the least of these does not appear nearly as gratifying as hearing my Lord compare me to rubies.

The sayings of King Lemuel - an inspired utterance his mother taught him (verse 1).

These are the sayings his momma taught him, the lessons that come from a mother and wife of noble character. This is the fruit of a woman who works vigorously and provides for her family, one who "opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy" (verse 20), who is full of strength and dignity and joy. This is what happens when a woman raises her children in the fear of the Lord.

I've been praying for my unfound husband, unborn children, and (more recently) unmet in-laws for years. I've prayed for a strong marriage, for my kids to turn out alright, for me to not want to slit my mother-in-law's throat, but never had I thought to pray that I would be the kind of mother and wife that the Lord seeks.