Proverbs 31:2 Listen, Daughter: You Are an Answered Prayer

“You’re reading the Proverbs 31 Series! This reflection builds on the previous post, so you may want to catch up first: [Proverbs 31:1 – Who Was King Lemuel in Proverbs 31? Lessons from His Mother’s Wisdom].”

Before we ever meet the “Proverbs 31 woman,” the one many of us admire and aspire to become, we are introduced to “a wise, praying mother“. In her first words to her son, King Lemuel, we hear something tender, rich in meaning, and deeply worth reflecting on.

“Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!” (Proverbs 31:2 NIV)

These words are personal. They are not advice from a stranger or instructions from a queen to a king. They are the cry of a mother’s heart, full of love, weight, and intention.

Coming from a Nigerian home, I can tell you, when your parent says “listen” three times, it is serious. It means they are not just speaking from their mind but from their soul. It is not simply instruction; it is impartation.

That is what we are witnessing here, a woman pouring out years of experience, pain, love, and faith into her son, the king. But tucked away in those words is a truth that speaks volumes to us as women today, especially those walking through singleness, growth, and becoming.

Let’s dive in.

1. You Are an Answer to Prayer

There is something profound about Lemuel’s mother calling him “the answer to my prayers.”

She was affirming his worth and purpose. This was not a child born by chance. He was desired, longed for, prayed over, and divinely given.

And here is where it touches us:
You, too, are an answer to prayer.

Maybe you were born into a loving, praying family, or maybe you were not. Maybe you felt welcomed into this world, or maybe you have struggled with rejection or identity.

But no matter your earthly beginning, your heavenly Father had His eyes on you even before you were formed.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)

Your life is not a mistake.
Your existence is not random.
You are intentional, planned, and purpose-filled.

Jesus Himself prayed for you:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (John 17:20 NIV)

You are loved, known, and remembered in prayer, even before you could whisper your first one.

So the next time you feel overlooked or unseen, remember this: You are someone’s answered prayer. You are God’s divine intention.

2. God Cares About Your Becoming

Notice that Lemuel’s mother does not begin with instructions, she begins with identity. She affirms who he is before telling him what to do.

This is God’s pattern too. He is not only concerned about what we do but deeply invested in who we are becoming.

As single women, it is easy to live in a state of “almost“:

• Almost chosen
• Almost ready
• Almost there

But this season is not a placeholder, it is a process.
It is not a delay, it is divine preparation.

You are not just waiting, you are becoming.

• Becoming a woman of character
• Becoming someone who loves deeply
• Becoming someone who listens well
• Becoming someone who reflects Jesus in the way she lives, serves, gives, and speaks

This matters deeply. Wisdom begins long before marriage. God is not rushing you into a title; He is shaping you into a vessel.

Take heart. This season is holy ground. Do not try to skip ahead. Do not resent where you are. You are becoming right now the kind of woman who will leave a lasting impact far beyond relationship status.

3. You Can Be the Voice of Wisdom

The first woman we meet in Proverbs 31 is not the “wife of noble character.” It is a wise mother, a woman of vision, conviction, and spiritual depth. And look at her influence, she is shaping a king.

Her impact does not come from a title but from her wisdom.

And you, sister, have the same potential.

You do not have to wait until you are married or leading a ministry. You do not need a platform or perfect past. Your prayers, your convictions, your obedience, and your counsel matter now.

• Maybe you are nurturing someone younger in the faith.
• Maybe your words have comforted a hurting friend.
• Maybe your quiet example is preaching louder than any sermon.

Do not underestimate your influence. You can be a voice of wisdom in a world drowning in noise.

“The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.” (Psalm 37:30 NIV)

4. God Is Raising You for More

Proverbs 31 shows us a woman who is not only a homemaker but also a leader, businesswoman, servant, giver, and teacher. But it all begins with identity. And identity begins with intimacy with God.

Lemuel’s mother spoke from a place of prayer and spiritual authority. Her wisdom flowed from time spent with God.

This is a challenge for us: Are we rooted before we are running? Are we praying before we are planning? Are we becoming before we are broadcasting?

It is okay to feel hidden, unseen, or in a quiet season. God sees. And He is raising you for more.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV)

Do not despise the slow days. They are seeds of strength.

5. A Personal Reflection: Learning to Listen

If I am honest, I am still learning what it means to truly listen. It is easy to talk about God, serve God, sing to God, but listening to Him takes humility and surrender.

Sometimes I rush through my quiet time, moving quickly from one thing to another. Yet the Spirit nudges me to slow down. To listen, not just with my ears but with my heart.

Because when I listen, I am not just informed. I am transformed.

I believe God is calling us back to listening. Just as Lemuel’s mother pleaded with her son, God is whispering to us today: “Listen, daughter.”

• Listen to My Word.
• Listen to My Spirit.
• Listen to the wisdom around you.
• Listen to what I am doing in you, even when you do not fully understand.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV)

Final Words for You, Sister

You may not feel like a “Proverbs 31 woman” yet. That is okay. Because before she was a wife, she was a woman. And before she had a role, she had a root.

Start there.

You are not waiting to be valuable, you are already precious.
You are not behind, you are on time.
You are not forgotten, you are seen, loved, and called.

So listen, daughter, you are an answered prayer.

I’d love to hear from you:

• What stood out to you in this reflection?
• In what areas is God calling you to listen more deeply?
• Have you ever considered yourself as an answer to prayer?

Drop a comment below, I read them all! And if this encouraged you, share it with a sister or friend who needs this reminder. Let’s grow together in wisdom and faith.