Bible Figure
Lemuel
Biblical king mentioned in Proverbs 31
King Lemuel is the otherwise unknown ruler whose mother taught him the sayings preserved at the beginning of Proverbs 31.
Biography
Proverbs 31:1 introduces the words of King Lemuel, an oracle or weighty saying taught to him by his mother. Her counsel warns against giving strength to destructive sexual relationships, against royal drunkenness that perverts justice, and urges the king to defend those who cannot speak for themselves. Scripture provides no genealogy, kingdom, or independent narrative for Lemuel.
Biblical Significance
Lemuel's importance lies in the wisdom instruction attached to his name, especially the responsibilities of rulers to exercise self-control and defend the vulnerable.