THE GODLY MOTHER

In a message titled, THE GODLY MOTHER (Prov. 31:10-31), we thanked God for His gift of mothers to us (Prov. 18:22; James 1:17). All mothers are to be honored by virtue of who God made them to be and the example of His undying love they reflect (Gen. 1:27b; Isa. 49:15, etc.). How much more should mothers who “fear the Lord” be honored! (Prov. 31:10, 30)

The word “virtuous” (Heb. ḥayil) can also mean “capable” or “valor” in battle (Prov. 31:10; Ex. 18:21; Judg. 6:12, etc.). This woman fights for her family, and “the heart of her husband safely trusts her” as she “does him good… All the days of her life” (Prov. 31:11a, 12). Through her husband’s blessing, she happily works in an area she is gifted in- which not only enriches their family but brings glory to God (Prov. 31:11b, 13-14, 19, 24). Sacrificially giving of herself in the care of her household, she energetically engages in the tasks ahead- even purchasing land from her earnings and opening new enterprises (Prov. 31:15-17). With these wise business deals and planning ahead, she also reaches out to the poor with an open hand (Prov. 31:18, 20, 25, etc.). But as an overseer of her household, she wisely prioritizes her loved ones, sparing no cost to protect them (Prov. 31:21, 27; 1 Tim. 5:8, etc.).

This woman, who personifies wisdom, does not forget to take care of herself, and part of her husband’s reputation is derived from her godly life as he trusts her (Prov. 31:22-23, 26; 1:20-21, 33).

The Bible tells us mothers who “fear the Lord” are to be honored by their children, praised by their husbands, and everyone (Prov. 31:28, 30-31). Their godly character makes them invaluable as they invest in eternal things (Prov. 1:7; 8:11; 31:10, 29-31).