Resources/Articles
The "Do-It-All" Mom of Proverbs 31
What an example she is - not was - because this mother can be lifted off the page of scripture and copied in every mother. Yes, even with whatever weaknesses you believe you have, combined with the strengths and measure of talent, God’s grace has blessed each woman. Every mother can be the mom in Proverbs 31, no matter what generation you are from (i.e., Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial, etc.). The generation label has nothing to do with who this mother was, is, or will be. She spans decades of revolutions, wars, medical advances, and modern technology. This mom is a yesterday, today, and tomorrow mother. What makes her unique and provides such a difference in the world is that she is God’s woman as a mother. She fits His mold of a mother, not the pattern of the world’s mother.
Every mom may receive gifts, cards, kisses, thank yous, hugs, or phone calls on Mother’s Day, but the mother in Proverbs 31 receives this grand accolade in vv. 25-30: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” This is what touches the heart of a mother. Her worth and value is far above rubies and no one could ever pay her enough money for what she is worth to those who know her well.
What is there a mom today could do to be this woman, this wife, this mother?
Listen to God describe you. It would take time, but every mom ought to do it. Read the passages in scripture which point to what a mother has the blessing to do for God and the benefit it brings to those with whom she lives.
Psalm 127.3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” What a joy it is to be a mom, for many never become one or choose not to be one. Being a mom is time to develop a heritage.
Proverbs 6.20 says, “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” What have you taught, what are you teaching, and what will you teach others - especially your children? Every day has that privilege and opportunity. Teach something to your child today, even if it takes all day to teach one thing.
Matthew 10.37 says, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” A mother raises every child in her nest to love God more than her. Directing your child’s heart to the Father is the grandest fulfillment of your place as a mom. Your child may be a doctor, director of human services, or own their own toy store, but being a Christian who loves God above all will be your life’s greatest mark on your resumé as a mother.
Luke 2.51 says, “And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Those words were spoken about Jesus. The Lord’s words are just like your child’s words. You remember them. You hold them. You appreciate them. You hear them each day. Those words are the ones you trained them to speak.
How God describes what you as a mother does is worth your reading. Read more. Understand your place. Trust Him.
May it be said of you as is spoken in Isaiah 54.13: “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
