Different people remember Mother’s Day in different ways. Let’s me tell you of a story of a family my wife came into contact with again this week. It all started about two years ago. A 27 year old woman who already had a 2 year old child found out that she was pregnant again. At the same time she also found out that she had brain cancer. What a mix of joy and pain. My wife would see the kids from time to time with different people. When she inquired about it she found out that the members of the church that this woman belonged to would take turns looking after the Children. The reason for this is that as the brain cancer progressed, this women would not be able to think clearly and would start to do more and more erratic things, therefore it would not be safe to just leave the children with her. Although her cancer was in remission for a short time, she became sick again and in great pain. She died this week; The week leading up to Mother’s day. This 29 year old woman leaves behind a 2 and 4 year old, a husband as well as family and friends. My wife was involved with her funeral this week. Mother’s day will always have a bitter sweet memory for those associated with this mother.
While Mother’s Day can be a very happy, joyous day … it can also be a very sad day … a day of pain & grief.
• Maybe you have recently lost your mother … and you are experiencing the pain of your loss.
• Maybe you have lost a child … and your heart grieves on Mother’s Day.
• Maybe you are having difficulties with your Mother … your Mother wasn’t the IDEAL Mother we like to preach about … and you have bad memories of your Mother.
• Maybe you have some guilty feelings about your motherhood … and you have children problems … or marriage problems.
• Maybe you were never able to have children … and Mother’s Day isn’t a joyous occasion for you.
• Maybe you never had a real mother … and were raised in a foster home, or by relatives.
• Maybe you are a single Mom … and are struggling with being a good Mother to your children.
Life is not Pollyanna sentimentality. It is hard and strength of character excels. Not only for a Godly mother, but what everyone, fathers, sons daughter and all those who connect with mothers. We should not merely praise those who physically give birth, but those who exemplify the true character of a mother. Proverbs 31, talks of the excellent wife and mother for whom we can learn from, honor, and encourage this mother’s day.
This section contains an ode in praise of the virtuous woman. It is an acrostic; that is, each verse begins with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. First, they were an artistic labor to demonstrate the importance and beauty or pathos of the topic; the very task of selecting words that fit the alphabetic structure was a desire to offer a pleasing sacrifice to the wonder and excellency of womanhood.
Second, the acrostic could serve as an aid to the memory of the pupil whose recall of each successive verse would be triggered by which letter it had to begin with. Third, and perhaps uppermost in the mind of the artist, the acrostic was an expression of comprehensiveness. The topic was fully covered from A to Z (or aleph to tau), and the very act of canvassing the alphabet demonstrated the completeness of the virtues, skills, and accomplishments of the ideal wife (Hubbard, D. A., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1989). Vol. 15: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 15 : Proverbs. Formerly The Communicator’s Commentary. The Preacher’s Commentary series (489). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.).
As to authorship, some have thought that it continues the teaching of King Lemuel’s mother (vv. 1–9), but it may also be an independent, concluding unit.(Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. (Pr 31:10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.) The sequence of the statements in the portrait is then formal rather than logical. One object of this actrostic construction was to render the matter easier to commit to memory.
The role here is alongside man’s (e.g. 1:8; 6:20) which fulfils part of the vision in Gn. 1–2 of man and woman together representing the image of God and called to exercise authority in the world on God’s behalf, and invites men and women to seek to realize this vision in the world.( Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Pr 31:10). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.) .
We specifically have this day each year to remember our mothers. Considering the original environmental context from which this was originally written, we should not settle for the misguided understanding of motherhood that society portrays and encourages. We should all see the high value God places in them, honor them and encourage them to seize their unique God given high calling,
Of The Excellent Wife & Mother, we can see 1) Her Trustworthiness (vs. 10-12), 2) Her Work Ethic (vs. 13-21), 3) Her Character (vs. 22-26) and 4) Her Holiness (vs. 27-31)
First,
1) Her Trustworthiness: Proverbs 31:10-12
Proverbs 31:10–12 This section describes her marriage.
Proverbs 31:10 [10] An excellent wife/ virtuous woman who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
• The poem begins with a rhetorical question (erotesis). This is intended to establish the point that such a noble wife is rare. As with wisdom in the Book of Proverbs, she has to be found (Biblical Studies Press. (2001; 2002). The NET Bible Notes (Pr 31:10). Biblical Studies Press.).
• The expression combines the ideas of moral goodness and bodily vigor and activity. The representation is that of an ideal woman—the perfect housewife, the chaste helpmate, of her husband, upright, God-fearing, economical, and wise.
• The nature of this virtue is “of strength,” that is, moral courage (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On spine: Critical and explanatory commentary. (Pr 31:10). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
o The descriptions here are not impossibilities but ones that take a great degree of courage. They are the qualities that set godly women apart from the shallowness of modern stereotypes. This passage describes the discipline and moral courage necessary in a woman of God, the qualities we should encourage, honor and exemplify.
• Biblical Christianity does not degrade women but quite the opposite. It is very remarkable to meet with such a delineation of woman in the East, where the female generally occupies a most degraded position, and is cut off from all sphere of activity and administration.
She is far more precious than jewels. (see on ch. 20:15 and 3:15). There may be allusion to the custom of giving treasure in exchange for a wife, purchasing her, as it were, from her friends (comp. Hos. 3:2). A Godly woman’s worth cannot he estimated by any material object, however costly.
Verses 11–12 praise the wife in general terms for what she is to her husband.
Proverbs 31:11 [11]The heart of her husband (safely) trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
• The husband of such a wife goes forth to his daily occupations, having full confidence in her even though they are physically separate. The confidence is that she will uphold the interests of the family. That he will have no lack of gain relates to the virtue that she manages domestic concerns so well that her husband finds his honest gains increase, and sees his confidence profitably rewarded.
1 Timothy 5:4 [4]But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. (ESV)
Proverbs 31:12 [12]She does him good, and not harm/evil, all the days of her life..
• She is consistent in her conduct towards her husband, always pursuing their best interests. This reflects the nature of the covenant vows in marriage all the days of her life; in good times or bad, in the early spring-time of young affection, and in the waning years of declining age. The reason why this is so is because her love, based on high principles, knows no change or diminution.
Illustration: 3198 Mother Charges Nothing. In reflecting on the phrase of a mothers ministry all the days of her life, There’s an interesting story about what we owe them and what we think they owe us.
A mother found under her place one morning at breakfast a bill made out by her small son, Bradley, aged eight—Mother owes Bradley: for running errands, 25 cents; for being good, 10 cents; for taking music lessons, 15 cents; for extras, 5 cents. Total, 55 cents. Mother smiled but made no comment. At lunch Bradley found the bill under his plate with 55 cents and another piece of paper neatly folded like the first. Opening it he read—Bradley owes Mother: for nursing him through scarlet fever, nothing; for being good to him, nothing; for clothes, shoes and playthings, nothing; for his playroom, nothing; for his meals, nothing. Total: nothing (Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.).
• Although showing the gracious spirit of a mother in loving all the days of her life, in her loyalty, we indeed owe her much praise and thanks.
Of The Excellent Wife & Mother, we can see 1) Her Trustworthiness (vs. 10-12), and now:
2) Her Work Ethic: Proverbs 31:13-21
Proverbs 31:13–21 This section describes her behavior, and specifically in:
Verses 13–15 describe the activity of the wife in providing for the needs of the household. Verse 13 is about providing clothing, and verses 14–15 are about providing food.
- She’s Goal-oriented
Proverbs 31:13 [13]She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
• The virtuous woman pays attention to these things, as materials for clothing and domestic uses. Wool has been used for clothing from the earliest times (see Lev. 13:47; Job 31:20, etc.), and flax was largely cultivated for the manufacture of linen, the processes of drying, peeling, hackling, and spinning being weld understood (see Josh. 2:6; Isa. 19:9; Jer. 13:1, etc.).
She works with willing hands
• The “hands” are the metonymy of cause, representing all her skills and activities in making things (Biblical Studies Press. (2001; 2002). The NET Bible Notes (Pr 31:13). Biblical Studies Press.).
• What is meant is that she not only labors diligently herself, but finds delight in doing so. The descriptive context of this woman is that she is represented as rich, and at the head of a large house hold. The concept of a family that pulls together, is pictured by this woman who considers that labor is a duty for all, and that idleness is a transgression of a universal law.
-She’s Systematic
Proverbs 31:14 [14]She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
She is like the ships of the merchant. She is like them in that she extends her operations beyond her own immediate neighborhood, and brings her food from afar, buying in the best markets and on advantageous terms, without regard to distance, and being always on the look out to make honest profit.
• This is tremendous work to the advantage of the entire household. Most of us men would have to admit we would not even know where to start. Even with specific instructions to pick things up, we most often can barely get that right.
Proverbs 31:15 [15]She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
• Before dawn she is up and stirring, to be ready for her daily occupation. A lamp is always kept burning at night in Eastern houses, and as it is of very small dimensions, the careful housewife has to rise at midnight to replenish the oil, and she often then begins her household work by grinding the corn or preparing something for next day’s meals (comp. ver. 18). Early rising before any great undertaking is continually mentioned in Scripture (see Gen. 19:2; 22:3; Ps. 57:8; Jer. 7:13; 25:4, etc.; Mark 16:2; John 20:1).
• The nature of household duties knows no clock. This is exemplified in raising children, especially infants. These activities exemplify selflessness.
• How is this woman able to complete the tasks? The rising early enables enough time for needed tasks. But it is not all her. Implicit in the phrase of portions here is the concept of delegating work. Women are not slaves but stewards of the household. As such, the proper delegation of work enables not only family participation, but ensuring that no one person is overburdened.
• As much as we are impressed with the diligence of this woman, modern conveniences remove much of this extra needed preparation. The concept of diligence however still applies.
-She’s Resourceful
Verse 16–18 describe the wife’s financial enterprise, as she manages her own work in a businesslike way and invests in property.
Proverbs 31:16 [16]She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
• Lest we think that these characteristics only speak to household duties, a virtuous woman concerns herself with external activity that will aid the household. We find the example here in real estate. She turns her attention to a certain field, the possession of which is for some cause desirable; and, after due examination and consideration, she buys it.
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
• “Hands” is a metonymy of cause, indicating the work she does. “Fruit” is a hypocatastasis, an implied comparison meaning what she produces, the income she earns (Biblical Studies Press. (2001; 2002). The NET Bible Notes (Pr 31:16). Biblical Studies Press.)
• Her prudent management and economy give her means to buy vines and plant a vineyard, and thus to increase her produce. Household management means more than immediate work, but future planning.
Proverbs 31:17 [17]She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
• God does not consider women to be weak. All these character qualities thusfar embody moral strength and here even physical strength. As seeing our bodies as a gift from God, there should be proper care and exercise to her physical body
• The phrase here is metaphorically expressive of the energy and force with which she prepares herself for her work. Heb “she girds her loins with strength.”
o The idea is that of gathering up the robes with a sash/girdle so that they do not get in the way of the work (We would express the thought: “roll up our sleeves and get to work”. The point of the figure is readiness for work. But to say she girds herself with “strength” means that she begins vigorously. “Strength” here would be a comparison with the sash (Biblical Studies Press. (2001; 2002). The NET Bible Notes (Pr 31:17). Biblical Studies Press.).
• Strength and vigor are, as it were, the girdle which she binds round her waist to enable her to conduct her operations with case and freedom.
So we have a similar metaphor boldly applied to God
Psalm 93:1 [93:1]The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
The phrase in Prov. 31:17 that she makes her arms strong relates to the virtue of the benefit of daily exercise she makes her arms firm and strong, and capable of great and continued exertion.
• If we often find ourselves physically fatigued it is not an honorable thing to be. It is not pleasing to burn out for God. This state renders us unable to do what is right.
Proverbs 31:18 [18]She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
• Her prudence and economy leave her a large surplus profit, which she contemplates with satisfaction. There is no suspicion of arrogance or conceit. The pleasure that is derived from duty done and successfully conducted business is legitimate and healthy, a providential reward of good works. This comfort and success spur her on to further and more continued exertion.
Her lamp does not go out at night represents planning ahead. The five virgins whose lamps did not go out were praised for their foresight (Matt. 25:4). The extinguishing of one’s lamp pictured calamity (Job 18:6; Prov. 13:9; 20:20; 24:20). (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (1:973). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
• The direct picture would relate to an expression today of “burning the midnight oil” The virtuous woman is not idle even when night falls, and outdoor occupations are cut short; she finds work for the hours of darkness, such as is mentioned in the next verse.
• There is also a broader picture as we discussed last week in Matthew 5:16 about letting our light shine
Verses 19–22 focus on the housewife’s provision for her own household and for the poor, especially the provision of clothing.
Proverbs 31:19 [19]She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
• A distaff, i. e. the staff to which is tied the bunch of flax from which the spinning-wheel draws the thread. To this she applies her hand; she deftly performs the work of spinning her flax into thread.
• There was nothing derogatory in women of high rank spinning among their maidens, just as in the Middle Ages noble ladies worked at tapestry with their attendants. We should not see necessary work below us but be actively involved in all activities that are necessary..
-She’s Helpful
Proverbs 31:20 [20]She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
• She is not impelled by selfish greed to improve her means and enlarge her revenues. She is sympathizing and charitable, and loves to extend to others the blessings which have rewarded her efforts.
reaches out her hands to the needy.
• The godly woman does not wait for pleas for help to come to her but seeks out those to whom she may assist.
• The only reason why this is possible is due to the diligence in resource management. The reason why we are blessed with resources is to be a blessing to others.
Proverbs 19:17 [17]Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
• Lest we think that a virtuous character only applies to personal or family matters, righteousness extends beyond our families to honoring to the Lord. As God blesses us we should be a blessing.
• The concept of “Hand,” here has the idea is that she puts forth her hand to raise and soothe the poor man, not being satisfied with dealing alms to him or just financial offerings. This speaks to exercising the gentle ministries of a tender love. Mothers have a special ability to care that most men do not. This is a charistic that God has given women that by and large men do not poses that women uniquely show the character of God.
• Septuagint, “She opens her hands to the needy, and reaches forth her wrist (καρπὸν) to the poor.” Like Dorcas, in Acts 9:36, who was “full of good works and acts of charity”.
-She’s Determined
Proverbs 31:21 [21]She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet
• This may seem like a strange expression but one Middle east Scholar noted:
Quote: Snow,” says Dr. Geikie (‘Holy Land,’ ii. 58), “covers the streets of Jerusalem two winters in three, but it generally comes in small quantities, and soon disappears. Yet there are sometimes very snowy winters. That of 1879, for example, left behind it seventeen inches of snow, even where there was no drift, and the strange spectacle of snow lying unmelted for two or three weeks was seen in the hollows on the hillsides. Thousands of years have wrought no change in this aspect of the winter months, for Benaiah, one of David’s mighty men, ‘slew a lion in the midst of a pit in the time of snow’ (2 Sam. 23:20).”
• For the Proverbs 31 woman, she has no fears concerning the comfort and health of her family even in the severest winter. For all her household are clothed with scarlet; with warm garments. The word used is שָׁנִים (shanim), derived from a verb menning “to shine,” and denoting a crimson or deep scarlet colour. This colour was supposed, and rightly, to absorb and retain heat but figure in a broader sense.
Illustration: 2920 Alexander’s Garments. When Alexander the Great entertained the kings and nobles at the court of Persia, he appeared wearing only those garments which had been woven for him by his mother, Olympias, who was the daughter of a chieftain, the wife of a king, and the mother of a conqueror. One commentator said: “Long ago we discarded the garments that were made for us by a loving mother’s hands; and yet, in a certain sense, as to life and character, we are all still wearing the garments that were woven for us by a mother. (C. E. Macartney in Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.)
Of The Excellent Wife & Mother, we can see 1) Her Trustworthiness (vs. 10-12), 2) Her Work Ethic (vs. 13-21), and now:
3) Her Character (v. 22-26)
-She’s Meticulous and creative
Proverbs 31:22 [22]She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
• The wife dresses herself in a way becoming her station, avoiding the extremes of sordid simplicity and ostentatious luxury.
Quote: “For my own part,” says St. François de Sales, quoted by Lesetre, “I should wish any devout man or woman always to be the best-dressed person in the company, but at the same time, the least fine and affected, and adorned, as it is said, with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. St. Louis said that every one ought to dress according to his position, so that good and sensible people should not be able to say you are overdressed, nor the younger under-dressed” (‘Vie Devot.,’ iii. 25).
Please turn to 1 Tim. 2
• A righteous mother has a tremendous testimony to other women. There should be a sensibility of dress that testifies to the older women who may overspend and a modesty of dress, that speaks to a younger generation that knows very little modesty.
• This naturally also speaks to other men in order to not be a sexual stumbling block.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 [9]likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, [10]but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works. (ESV)
Verses 23–27 refer to the honor and status this woman gains from her skill, and the prosperity she and her family enjoy because of her wisdom.
Proverbs 31:23 [23]Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
• Such a woman advances her husband’s interests, increases his influence, and, by attending to his domestic concerns, enables him to take his share in public matters, so that his name is in great repute in the popular assemblies at the city gates (ver. 31; ch. 8:3). She is indeed “a crown to her husband” (ch. 12:4).
• I would not be able to minister as I do, and other men not work, without the effort of Godly wives.
• Beyond just a personal impact, mothers reflect upon the testimony of the whole family. A failure in character, would point to either an abuse or neglect from the rest of the family.
• Lisa is the jewel of our family. I have had several members of my side of the family come to Lisa for advice on various matters and they say that she is the most capable and wise person they know.
-She’s a Godly Home Builder
Proverbs 31:24 [24]She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
• The word for “linen garments” is sadin, not the same as in ver. 22,
Proverbs 31:25–27 This section emphasizes her character.
-She’s Wisdom-filled
Proverbs 31:25 [25]Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
• Could you imagine families where the work of godly strength and dignity had as much effort as external appearance and clothing? Where this does occur we find the understanding to the second part of the verse.
• Her preparation has enabled her to avoid last minute care and worry. And thus prepared, she laughs/shall rejoice at the/in time to come;
o She is not disquieted by any fear of what may happen, knowing in whom she trusts, and having done her duty to the utmost of her ability.
Reflecting this trust in God regardless of the future:
Psalm 112:7 [7]He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
Proverbs 31:26 [26]She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
• She is not merely a good housewife, attending diligently to material interests; she guides her family with words of wisdom. When she speaks, it is not gossip, or slander, or idle talk, that she utlers, but sentences of prudence and sound sense, such as may minister grace to the hearers.
the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. i.e. her language to those around her is animated and regulated by love.
Of The Excellent Wife & Mother, we can see 1) Her Trustworthiness (vs. 10-12), 2) Her Work Ethic (vs. 13-21), 3) Her Character (vs. 22-26) and finally:
4) Her Holiness (v. 27-31)
-She’s an Inspiring example
Proverbs 31:27 [27]She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
• She exercises careful surveillance over all that goes on in the family.
does not eat the bread of idleness.
rather active labor and conscientious diligence. She is of the opinion of the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat”.
• One of the best examples that we can show and impress upon our children, is the honor of work. It is not a curse but a reflection of the character of God and a means whereby He blesses families.
Verses 28–29 This section describes her family life. It speaks of the way the members of the housewife’s family express their appreciation of her.
Proverbs 31:28 [28]Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:.
• She is a fruitful mother of children, who, seeing her prudence, and experiencing her affectionate care, celebrate and praise her.
Illustration: 2917 “Mom’s Just Perfect”
It’s funny how children often see their moms. There’s a story of a small boy who went into the lingerie section of a big department store and shyly presented his problem to a woman clerk. “I want to buy my mom a present of a slip,” he said, “but I don’t know what size she wears.” “Is she tall or short, fat or skinny?” asked the clerk. “She’s just perfect,” beamed the small boy. So she wrapped up a size 34 for him. Two days later, mom came to the store herself—and changed it to a size 52. (The Saturday Review in Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications).
Her husband also, and he praises her; from those who know her best, and have the best opportunities of judging her conduct, she is contented and happy.
Proverbs 31:29 [29]"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
• Comparisons can be a dangerous thing. If they are used as envy, it is a devastating thing in a family.
• If comparisons are used as a club, they can be an undue burden. But as with our present picture, this can be a character that we encourage in our wives and mothers. Not as a rebuke but a picture of a godly mother and wife that we all have a responsibility and delight in encouraging. Not with empty words but with diligent discipline.
• For me I thank God for my wife Lisa. I would honestly not trade her for another woman in this world. The reason I first fell in love with her was the excellence of her character. Her love of God shows herself everyday as a woman of God. The challenge in this text for our family is the responsibility we have to encourage her to grow in the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ with our words and actions
Verses 30–31 This portion summarizes her spiritual life.
Proverbs 31:30 [30]Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
• A woman may have charm but no common sense. She may be beautiful but impractical.
Please turn to 1 Peter 3
• Social charm, is misleading; and physical beauty is transitory and a shallow foundation for love. Neither of them is of any real value unless accompanied by true character.
1 Peter 3:1-6 [3:1]Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2]when they see your respectful and pure conduct. [3]Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-- [4]but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. [5]For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, [6]as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. (ESV)
• If we train, either by tacit silence or active promotion, our selves, our daughters and sons to look first to beauty by contemporary standards, then when that changes either by age, health or accident, then we will have lost our motive for love.
o If our primary affection both in personal development and the key trait sought is character, then we have the best focus for Godliness and a proper bedrock for eternal love.
"a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised".
So we come back to the maxim with which tile whole book began, that the foundation of all excellence is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).
Psalm 111:10 [10]The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
• Such, too, is the conclusion of Ecclesiastes: in Ecclesiastes 12:13 [13]The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man”. (ESV)
This is the essence of all wisdom. Before you walk out of here feeling burdened about all you have to do, understand what the focus of this passage is in terms of priorities that, when truly right, God will enable you to either become or enable someone to become this woman:
Matthew 6:33 [33]But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
• When our first priority is our spouse, children, job of hobbies, then nothing works. God designed it to fail so we would cherish Him above all else.
• When our first priority in life is to love and reverence God, everything else falls into place. Women can become the woman of Proverbs 31 and we as husbands and children can encourage and strengthen them to be this women by understanding what the priority is and encouraging that.
When this is so, we can:
Proverbs 31:31 [31]Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
• Godly mothers are indeed to enjoy the various blessings which her zeal, prudence, and economy have obtained.
Psalm 128:2 [2]You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
"and let her works praise her in the gates".
• Her lifelong actions speak for themselves.
• The gates in this verse, represents men most congregate, where the heads of the people meet in solemn assembly, there her praise is sung, and a unanimous verdict assigns to her the highest honor
• As husbands, sons and daughters, we should not get together and put down our wives and mothers, but publicly praise their godliness. This is what would set us apart from common complaining and truly encourage godliness.
• We have met this morning to worship God and give thanks for the qualities that personifies in wisdom as exemplified in godly mothers.
(Format note: some base commentary from The Pulpit Commentary: Proverbs. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (597). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
