Good morning,
Mother’s Day is on May 9th. Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother. The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.
Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.
The Godly Mother
Proverbs 31:10-31
Relationship to her husband (10-12)
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She provides for her family (13-14)
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She prepares meals for her family (15)
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She is a gardener (16)
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She exercises (17)
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She is industrious and hard working (18-19)
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She cares for the needy (20)
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is a seamstress (21-22)
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
She has a good reputation (23)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She makes fine line and sells it (24)
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
She is honorable and wise (25-26)
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She manages her family and they call her blessed (27-28)
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
She excels and she fears the Lord (29-31)
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com