1. Proverbs 31:1-9
Proverbs
31:1-9
Mother Said . . .

2. She has a universal theme that transcends all boundaries & applies to all ages!
Unwise things lead to sin & destruction!

3. The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:
Proverbs 31:1-9
2  What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows (or prayers)? 3  Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5  For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

4. 6  Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7  Let him drink & forget his poverty & remember his trouble no more. 8  Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. 9  Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
Proverbs 31:1-9

5. Lesson 1: A Mother is Always a “Mom”!
A wise son will always “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3  SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”
- Ephesians 6:2-3

6. Lesson 2: Mothers know that Life is Dangerous
It’s natural for Mother’s love to form a deep connection to a child.
More & more these days we hear of mothers who are “without natural affection” (Rom.1:31).
Mom’s want the best for us… & that is why alcohol is their natural enemy!

7. Lesson 3:   It’s not sufficient to simply personally believe that alcohol & drugs are dangerous for our children.   
It’s crucial for parents to verbalize their  values – & communicate a firm stand against addictive or illegal drugs! 
Anything that has the power to impair our thinking & judgment is dangerous indeed.

8. Ar. Dept. of Health & Human Services reports:
? Marijuana use is…?
o Very wrong! (4.1% of kids will use pot)
o Wrong. (27.4% of kids will use it) X X

9. The problem is not substances: But their abuse!
Lemuel’s mom said, “Son – drugs are for sick people!” Alcohol & drugs diminish responsibility. Verses 4-5: ”It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted.”

10. Lesson 4:   The natural progress of life is from less responsibility to more.     
Moms want their children to be successful:
….capable… self-supporting… responsible

11. The kings’s responsibility was …JUSTICE!
vv. 8-9 – “Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate  Open your mouth, judge righteously, & defend the rights of the afflicted & needy.”

12. But What Does alcohol do?
diminishes judgment
leaves us … incapable irresponsible unsuccessful diminished

13. But What Does Marijuana do?
muddles the mind
saps the spirit reduces motivation

14. But What Does the abuse of Prescription Drugs do?
Leaves us in a fog
… a perpetual haze
Not fully in touch with life or loved ones.

15. Paul echoes her sermon…
Eph. 5: 18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to DEBAUCHERY.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Debauchery = dissipation = “wasted”

16. Proverbs 23:25  “May your father and your mother be glad, may she who gave you birth rejoice!”