Proverbs 31:2
What shall I say, O my son?
What it says
She addresses him intimately as her son and the child of her vows.
What it is doing
This verse gives the instruction personal weight and tenderness.
In context
1These are the words of King Lemuel — the burden that his mother taught him: 2What shall I say, O my son? 3Do not spend your strength on women 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, 5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, 6Give strong drink to one who is perishing, 7Let him drink and forget his poverty, 8Open your mouth for those with no voice, 9Open your mouth, judge righteously,