Tucked away at the very end of Proverbs are two delightful little poems which share lessons that an ancient "home-school" mother taught to her young son. She longed for her boy to mature into "a faithful man-a righteous man [who] walks in his integrity" (Proverbs 20:6-7).

The poems in Proverbs 31 provide the outline of her curriculum, and this study attempts to expand upon her thoughts and her teachings. As you work your way through, chapter by chapter, you will:

• take an up-close, personal look at the objective and expected outcome of each of her lessons
• see how those same objectives and outcome are still applicable today
• consider ways you can put the lessons into practice in your own life.

Like the poems of Proverbs 31, the chapters in this book imagine a mother speaking to her son-probably in his late teens or early twenties-reminding him of the lessons she taught him as a young lad. Yet, the lessons are appropriate for men of all ages. Whether you are single or married, these lessons are for you.

Since the phrase "my son" has application for each person who is a child of God, today these lessons are applicable even for women, . We are all "joint heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). Jesus Christ came to earth and showed us the perfect picture of a faithful man, a righteous child of God.

Use these lessons as a guide toward exhibiting more Christ-like actions and attitudes in your relationships with your family, friends, and others.