Lemuel

Lemuel is mentioned in the opening verse of Proverbs 31 as a king to whom the sayings in this chapter are attributed (Proverbs 31:1). The chapter contains the words of King Lemuel, which were taught to him by his mother (Proverbs 31:1). In her teaching, Lemuel's mother warns him against giving his strength to women and urges him not to drink wine or strong drink, as it is not fitting for kings (Proverbs 31:3–7). She also instructs him to speak up for the mute, defend the rights of the poor and needy, and judge righteously (Proverbs 31:8–9). The identity and reign of King Lemuel are not specified in the Bible, and he is not mentioned elsewhere in the scriptures. Some scholars suggest that Lemuel may have been a non-Israelite king or a symbolic name representing a wise and righteous ruler. The chapter concludes with a description of a virtuous wife, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 woman" (Proverbs 31:10–31).