Proverbs 31: King James Bible
Warning The Way of Kings – Daily Devotion of Proverbs chapter thirty one, Verse 3
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Daily Inspiration from This Verse – Warning The Way of Kings
We’ve learned through Proverbs that there is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way of death. What if that “man” is a king?
If the way of kings have been manipulated to do things that seem right but aren’t, this could lead to a whole lot of death. The death of his subjects, his family, and ultimately his whole kingdom.
In the grand scheme of things, this is the point behind what is being told to a young king (perhaps a prince at the time) Lemuel by his mother. She mentions one specific avenue, then another far more general.
Give not Thy Strength
The way of kings have been influenced by women from Old Testament days, all throughout history. We see example after example, of kings being either manipulated or heavily influenced by a wicked queen or mistress.
Also, she is warning him about the strange woman. We have read all about her a time or two throughout these devotionals, some early on in this series. One in particular that comes to mind that you should check out is: “The Strange Woman.”
The strange women were making themselves known back in those days, and make themselves known even more so today. Lemuel’s mother sought to spare her son the repercussions of dealing with such women, and would rather his strength be applied toward where it belongs; to a loving good wife, and his kingdom.
Nor thy Ways
The way of a king is performed by the king himself despite the outside influences, his actions are his own. Lemuel’s mother shifts gears in the second half of this sentence. The first half was a warning against others, this half is her way of telling him to behave himself.
Sure, the strange woman is waiting at the doorstep, being attracted to the possibility of reaching a position, grabbing power, wealth, or whatever ill gotten gain she can get her hands on by way of affair with the king. But the king doesn’t have to decide to fall into sin and take part.
Is he actively seeking out a strange woman himself? Even worse, using his power to get any woman, whether they like it or not? Plenty of that has transpired at the behest of kings as well, during Biblical times and since.
The way of kings demand an upright approach to the throne, and integrity as it would relate to obeying the laws of the kingdom, and moral fabric. Unfortunately, history gives few examples of this, and we tend to find that the exact opposite is the norm.
The ease by which kings and leaders can use their power to satisfy their lusts, whatever they may be, is unnerving. If a person has the power to do anything be it right or wrong, and lack integrity and righteousness, that person will take advantage of this power, rather than do right and shun what is evil.
If the ways of a king are to chase after riches, he’ll die in doing so without ever being satisfied, and will drain the life from his kingdom. If he lusts after women, his rule will be influenced after being smitten at heart, and get himself mixed up with all kinds of problems at every level.
If he’s lusting after more power, he’ll be at war more often than not, and his people will suffer. If he lusts for comfort, he will grow apathetic and become an easier target to those who would supplant him.
Motherly Advice to a Son
Yes, this is motherly advice to a son, advising not to fall into the way of kings who have fallen from things such as this. So, who cares?
We who are called bu the name of Christ should care. Are we not going to be kings and priests under the direction and authority of the King of Kings?
The Lord had every one of us in mind when he included these kinds of verses. Not only is the advice given good for a prince, but is good advice for us common folks as well, because we won’t always be so.
The warning she is giving Lemuel is two fold. To avoid falling at the hands of an angry populous, and also falling into the hands of an angry God.
Related New Testament Scripture
Matthew 14:
3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6 But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. 9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
Ephesians 5:
5 For this ye know, that no whore-monger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Hebrews 13:
4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whore-mongers and adulterers God will judge.
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for your Word, and for every lesson you provide that lead us toward your righteousness, your ways, and your arms. Help us to avoid temptations rather than indulge in them, and to sure up our resolve wherever it may be necessary to do so. Change our hearts Lord, to follow after your own, rather than to chase after the lusts of the flesh. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen
Question
Have you ever questioned why it is important that the Lord would have us understand the way of kings?
Thanks Brian…sage wisdom indeed. I read a book entitled The Strength Of Samson, written by Mike Brown. Mr. Brown states that Samson lost his strength through lusting for women, not due to the length of his hair. Interesting. We are told not to make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. I only come off our farm 2 times per month, and EVERY time it is with my wife, Mercy. I was in a teleconference with a judge in Washington D.C., and she saw that Mercy was with me in this teleconference. She thought that was nice, and I said “I’m staying on the straight and narrow, judge.” She laughed. What was that line from Clint Eastwood, in Dirty Harry…”A good man’s got to know his limitations.” How true. Stay strong Brother.
Hi George,
Amen Brother. I’ve heard the same things that you said about having your wife present with you always, said about Mike Pence. He takes his wife everywhere with him, so as to not have any explaining to do about his whereabouts, and to not give any space for the wicked to create any stories about him that would harm his marriage along with any political aspirations.Never a bad idea!
Whatever it takes to give no place for the devil, and to not give the appearance of evil. Think of how many questions you don’t have to answer because you have your wife with you wherever you go! LOL
Thank you for the comment and kind words Brother, may the Lord bless you and Mercy in all that you set your hand to do in Jesus name!