Introductory Thoughts
“Give not thy strength unto women,”—these words were spoken to a son by his mother (Lemuel—see Proverbs 31:1). Most Bible students believe that Lemuel addressed in the Proverb was Solomon. Since Solomon had over 1,000 wives, there is little wonder why his mother’s words were called “prophecy” (Proverbs 31:1). Solomon greatly harmed his kingdom by refusing to heed his mother’s admonition. Eventually, Solomon’s “wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4). Those in the kingdom depended upon Solomon’s strength in the Lord. When he surrendered that strength to women, he sealed the judgment and guaranteed the division of the entire kingdom.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Nehemiah was a godly leader who knew the danger in Proverbs 31:3. He rebuked God's people, even referring back to Solomon (Nehemiah 13:1-3, 23-27). God still warns us today (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17; Psalm 106:34-36).
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(For everyone): Read Judges 16:1-21. How did Samsons actions go against the wisdom of Proverbs 31:3? For what did he ask the Lord in Judges 16:28? Why did he have to ask for renewed strength?
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If a man, have you given your strength unto women? If a woman, have you sought to rob a man of his strength by your beauty, emotions, or wiles?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to protect the men in your family.
- Ask God to work in the hearts of the ladies in your family.
Song
HIS WAY WITH THEE
