Proverbs 31:2

Proverbs 31:2 (KJV) opens the profound maternal instruction to King Lemuel with an urgent and deeply emotional address, setting the tone for the wisdom that follows.

Context

This verse is the passionate address from the mother of King Lemuel, setting the stage for the crucial counsel that follows in Proverbs 31. The preceding verse, Proverbs 31:1, introduces "the words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him." This highlights the significant role of mothers in ancient Israelite education and the transmission of values, particularly for those in leadership. Her words are not casual advice but a solemn, heartfelt charge to her son, a king, on how to rule justly and live righteously.

Key Themes

• Profound Maternal Love and Concern: The triple exclamation "What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?" underscores the mother's deep affection, commitment, and earnest desire for her son's well-being and righteous conduct. Her heart is poured out in this opening, emphasizing the depth of her relationship and the gravity of her message.
• The Gravity of the Message: This rhetorical questioning serves to command immediate attention and impress upon Lemuel the immense importance of the instruction he is about to receive. It's a call to serious reflection, preparing him for weighty counsel concerning leadership, justice, and personal integrity.
• Divine Dedication and Purpose: The phrase "son of my vows" suggests that Lemuel was perhaps dedicated to God or born in answer to specific prayers, placing a spiritual expectation upon his life. This adds a layer of divine purpose to his upbringing and future rule, reminiscent of figures like Samuel, who was also a 'son of vows'.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "What?" (מַה־לִּֽי / mah-lli) is more than a simple interrogative. Here, it functions as an exclamation of deep concern, urgency, or even a rhetorical plea, akin to "What shall I say to you, my son?" or "What is it with you, my son, that I must impress this upon you?" The repetition, escalating from "my son" to the more intimate "son of my womb" (emphasizing biological connection) and finally "son of my vows" (emphasizing spiritual dedication), builds an emotional crescendo. This progression highlights the multifaceted bond between mother and son and the profound commitment she has invested in his life.

Practical Application

Proverbs 31:2 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring value of parental wisdom, especially from a mother's heart. Parents are called to impart not just rules, but values and character, often with deep emotional investment and prayer. It encourages children and young adults to truly listen to and honor the guidance of those who genuinely care for their spiritual and moral development. For all believers, it underscores the idea that our lives can be seen as "sons of vows" – dedicated to God's purpose and therefore subject to His wise instruction, often delivered through trusted mentors or family. It highlights the profound impact of intentional, prayerful parenting and the importance of heeding such devoted counsel, echoing the broader biblical call for parents to diligently teach their children the ways of the Lord.