Bathsheba (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Proverbs 31:1. King Solomon
opens the chapter by recalling instructions that were given to
him at a younger age by his mother. These verses are meant not
for women to follow but rather for young men who are dating and
looking to find a wife. It is an older woman’s reflection and
advice given to her son on the type of woman who is good to
marry well before he becomes King. Proverbs 31:2. The close
relationship between Solomon and his mother is seen in these
passages as she identifies him as her dearly loved son whom she
devoted to God. This further indicates that the name “Lemuel” is
not a real name but rather one that is a familiar name only
known to Solomon and his parents. Proverbs 31:3. Bathsheba’s
opening plea is simple, “do not waste your strength on women, on
those who ruin kings”. Solomon’s time, energy and effort have
been sorely misplaced and she is begging him to choose a
different path. Looking back at David’s life and the many wives
he had including Bathsheba, i