Blueprint 31

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There’s a scene in the Message version of Proverbs 31 that feels like a mother grabbing her son by the collar. King Lemuel had been slipping—caught up in women, wine, and reckless living. His mama wasn’t having it.

She looked him in the eye and said:

“Son. Son of mine. What are you thinking? I carried you, I bore you. You’re my child—and right now, it’s hard to even recognize you. I dedicated you to God. I taught you the principles of God. What’s going on here?”

She wasn’t whispering. She was shaking him awake. She was saying: “This is not who you are. I raised you to lead. You’re a leader—not someone wasting his strength. I taught you better.”

That is the heartbeat of Blueprint 31.

Proverbs 31 has often been reduced to a description of a virtuous wife. But if you really read it, it begins with a mama checking her son. It’s about responsibility. It’s about leadership. It’s about kings and queens stepping into who they’re supposed to be.

If you need a model, a mentor, a standard of what God created us to be—this is it.

Before we ever get to the queen, we’re given a portrait of the king. His mother lays out what kind of man he must be:

• A king guards his strength. He doesn’t waste it on reckless women or destructive choices. (vv. 2–3)
   
• A king has a clear mind. He can’t afford to be drunk on wine or distracted by pleasure, because people depend on his judgment. (vv. 4–7)
   
• A king stands for justice. He speaks up for the voiceless, the poor, and the misfits. He uses his power to protect, not exploit. (vv. 8–9)
   
• A king leads with integrity. His leadership is not about himself, but about those he serves.  (vv. 8–9)
   

This is the standard his mama sets: “Son, you’re not called to blend in—you’re called to lead. Don’t forget who you are.”

Then, the passage shifts to the famous hymn: “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.”

• She is trustworthy. Her husband has full confidence in her and never regrets it. (vv. 10–12)
   
• She is diligent and creative. She shops for the best, works with her hands, and provides for her household. (vv. 13–15)
   
• She is wise with resources. She looks at a field, buys it, and plants a vineyard with what she earns. (v. 16)
   
• She is strong and prepared. She dresses herself with strength and makes sure her family is ready for every season. (vv. 17, 21–22)
   
• She is generous. She opens her hand to the poor and helps those in need. (v. 20)
   
• She speaks with kindness and wisdom. Her words build, never tear down. (v. 26)
   
• She is God-fearing. Outlasting beauty and charm, her reverence for God makes her truly praiseworthy. (vv. 30–31)
   

Her children bless her. Her husband praises her. Her life is marked by honor, diligence, and faith.

And mama makes it clear to her son: “This woman’s not average, son. Nothing about her is average. This kind of woman—she’s worthy.”

Blueprint 31 is not one-sided. It’s not just about women being virtuous or men being leaders. It’s about both stepping fully into their calling.

When a king lives with discipline, justice, and integrity, and a queen lives with wisdom, strength, and reverence, their household flourishes. Their children are blessed. Their community is impacted. Their legacy lasts.

• For men: Don’t waste your strength. You were raised to lead with clarity and justice.
   
• For women: Your worth is beyond charm. Your wisdom and reverence for God make you priceless.
   
• For couples: Together you model leadership and partnership that blesses generations.

Proverbs 31 is a family conversation. A mama to her son. A king to his people. A husband to his wife. Children to their mother.

It’s not just a passage—it’s a Blueprint. A mirror. A map. A call to live up to who you were created to be.