A message from Sunday’s sermon on Proverbs 31:1-9
In a world that constantly tells us to “chase our dreams” and “live for ourselves,” the biblical call to stewardship stands in stark contrast. Scripture reminds us that what we have, our time, abilities, money, and influence, are not truly our own. They are entrusted to us by God for His purposes and for the good of others.
One of the most striking illustrations of this truth comes from a passage of wisdom attributed to King Lemuel’s mother (Proverbs 31:1–9). These verses contain powerful instruction for leadership and stewardship, especially for those in positions of authority and influence.
At its heart, this teaching is about how to wisely manage the gifts God has given us, our talents, opportunities, and authority. Lemuel’s mother teaches her son that true stewardship requires self-control, sobriety, and sympathy.
I. Stewardship Requires Self-Control (Proverbs 31:1–3)
The first warning Lemuel receives is against giving away his strength, energy, wealth, and integrity to relationships that would destroy him.
“Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.”
— Proverbs 31:3
For a king, indulgence was easy. He had access to anything and anyone he wanted. But surrendering to his desires would mean losing control of himself, and ultimately of his kingdom.
This is a timeless truth. When we let our desires, whether for pleasure, success, or approval, control us, we become servants to them. Instead of ruling well, we are ruled by our appetites.
Illustration: How fitting that Solomon, who may have helped compile Proverbs, is the very example of this downfall. Despite his wisdom, his many wives “turned his heart away” (1 Kings 11:4). His lack of self-control led to his spiritual and political ruin.
Application:
- Self-control is not the absence of desire, but the mastery of it under Christ’s lordship.
- Both men and women face temptation to fulfill natural desires in sinful ways.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that temptation is common, but God always provides a way of escape.
- If we wish to steward our gifts wisely, we must submit anything that competes for our devotion to the Lord.
II. Stewardship Requires Sobriety (Proverbs 31:4–7)
Next, Lemuel’s mother warns against the misuse of alcohol. For a king, intoxication wasn’t just a personal issue, it affected his ability to rule justly.
“It is not for kings to drink wine… lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.”
— Proverbs 31:4–5
A leader dulled by addiction, whether to alcohol, power, pleasure, or distraction, cannot see clearly or lead rightly.
Illustration: Think of a doctor administering pain medication. Hydrocodone is appropriate for a patient in the hospital, but disastrous at a party. The issue isn’t the substance itself, but its purpose and context.
Application:
- Anything that numbs our awareness of God’s will or dulls our ability to serve others is a form of intoxication.
- Addiction wastes God’s gifts and keeps us from being ready to minister.
- Paul urged believers to “be sober-minded” and “always ready to give an answer” (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15).
- True stewardship demands clarity, alertness, and readiness to respond to God’s call at any moment.
III. Stewardship Requires Sympathy (Proverbs 31:8–9)
Finally, Lemuel’s mother shifts from what the king must avoid to what he must embrace: compassion for the vulnerable.
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9
A good steward uses their position not for comfort, but for justice. True leadership speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It’s about advocacy, not apathy.
Illustration: Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to show what godly compassion looks like in action. The Samaritan didn’t just feel pity. He stepped in, met needs, and bore the cost himself.
Application:
- Stewardship isn’t passive. It requires involvement.
- We are called to intercede for the helpless, introduce them to Jesus, and use our resources to advance His kingdom.
- When we seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, our lives align with His glory and purposes.
Conclusion: When You Steward Well, Blessings Multiply
When we use our gifts, talents, and opportunities wisely, they grow. Just as in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), faithful stewardship results in multiplication and reward. But when we use God’s gifts selfishly, or neglect them altogether, they fade away.
Every one of us has been entrusted with something, whether it’s time, influence, skills, money, or compassion. The question is not how much we’ve been given, but how faithfully we use it.
To steward our lives well, we must walk in:
- Self-control – mastering our desires under Christ.
- Sobriety – keeping our minds clear and our hearts focused.
- Sympathy – using our strength to serve those in need.
When we submit all that we have to Christ, our talents don’t just bless us. They also bless the world, and they bring glory to the One who gave them.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
May those words be said of us, as we faithfully steward all God has entrusted to our care.
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