I was preparing next month's issue of "The Well" a newsletter that we do for young mothers and wanted to share this article with you all.


Lemuel’s Mother Wise indeed was the teaching which king Lemuel’s mother conveyed to her son (Prov 31:1). Into the contention concerning the identity of king Lemuel or his mother we need not enter. It is sufficient for us to recognize that the words of this exemplary woman bear the seal of divine inspiration. In view of the wholesomeness of such instruction well might the inspired writer of Proverbs enjoin his readers to “forsake not the law of thy mother.” “Bind them”, he says, referring to parental admonitions, “continually upon thy heart, and tie them about thy neck.” How do we stand, dear sisters, as touching the instruction which we convey to our sons. Is it worthy of the treatment above described? The wise mother of the Book of Proverbs sought to brace up her son for the requirements of his responsible position, and to warn him against the sins which would be peculiar to it. By this example being placed before us, it is evidently one which God would have us follow. Ere long, to all appearances, the Truth’s affairs will be largely in the hands of the children of the brethren and sisters. Should these coming custodians of God’s work fall short in regard to their great privilege and responsibility; let it not be through failure on our part to counsel them wisely. As a means of discharging our duty let us hold aloft those standards of manly excellence which God Himself has provided. Let us teach our sons that God looks not to the faultless clothing and distinguished appearance, or to education and rank, or to powers of oratory. These things are not so much as named in God’s list of the necessary qualifications of a tried man. What God requires is a man who has behind him a career of self-restraint and plodding, humble work. Let us put our sons in the way of serving and apprenticeship in such necessary qualities as industry, purity, vigilance, sobriety, modesty, hospitality, aptitude for learning (from those instructed in the Word) and for teaching (when in contact with the alien and in the Sunday School). Let us counsel them to be temperate, not given to the love of money and covetous, or to quarrelling, striving and unseemly contention (1Tim 3:2-3). Let us encourage them to be faithful and regular in the ecclesial meetings, but let us not fail to point out in connection with this, that the object in view must be the exaltation of God, and not of self, and that the man who reverses the Scripture injunction to be swift to hear and slow to speak is no blessing to his brethren and sisters. Were king Lemuel’s mother in our midst we may be sure that she would not only emphasize all these matters in the ears of her son, but that she would forewarn, and so forearm him against those sins of the last says, which Paul so vividly predicted. Said this faithful servant of God: “Men shall be despisers…of those that are good.” We have only to mention a good man’s name, be he a prophet or apostle, to find how rampant is this sin in the world. And who has not seen it at work even in the ecclesias? Let us strive to fortify our sons against this woeful sin of these last days by teaching them to respect those, who, from years of exemplary work in the Truth, are undoubtedly good men from the divine standpoint. Let us remember, however, that our sons are not likely to respect the brethren unless they are first taught to revere and listen to their parents. Disobedience to parents is another unholy trait which Paul indicated would be a feature of the present time. Let us early direct our energies towards securing from our sons, dutiful behavior towards both father and mother. He who despises father and mother and those whom God esteems, must, of necessity, be a despiser of God. The mother, who in the quietitude of home, devotes herself to the wise training of her children, performs a part which, for its far-reaching effect cannot be exceeded in importance. The work will call for many an inward battle between the inclination and duty, and will cause for many a headache and even heartache. Let us, however, go forward undaunted by difficulties, knowing that we have the strength of God’s own authority and His encouragement behind us. Lemuel’s mother appealed to her son on the ground of his kingly office. Our sons do not hold this high position. In the mercy of God the gospel has called them, no less than ourselves, to the rulership of the age to come and we can appeal to them on the ground of what is seemly conduct for those who will enter the Kingdom of God. As Paul indicated to Timothy there is an etiquette divinely prescribed for the “house of God” and it is necessary that this be learnt and observed by those who desire to associate with the immortal royalties of the future. A God-fearing woman may have to endure scorn from the unfaithful, but the praise from on high is certain. Sis. C.J. Lois & Eunice Cookbook pg 128-132