3.  "Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings."
4.  "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine."
5.  "For they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all of the afflicted."
10.  "An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far above jewels."

This last proverb speaks of the responsibility of the king and the virtuous woman.

King Lemuel tells his son that he should avoid drinking - here is the reason:  Verse 5 says that there is a possibility that he will forget the things he says, if drunk, and then be a poor leader.  His desire for strong drink should be given up, for the sake of his leadership.

Then, in verse 10, the proverb changes to one that focuses on the virtuous woman.  I believe this proverb speaks about qualities we should look for in our wives, but we cannot ignore the fact that the proverbs have used the woman as a symbol for wisdom.  Verse 10 says, "A virtuous woman, who can find?"

Do we search for wisdom the way a groom searches for a wonderful bride?  Do we seek leadership skills like we seek wisdom?  What do we give up in order to be great leaders?


"Lord, we dedicate ourselves to seeking Your wisdom, day and night.  We dedicate ourselves to tenacity for Your word.  Amen."