God’s Picture of a Mother

Introduction:

What would you consider to be the world’s standard of a mother? In Prov. 31:10-31, we have the Biblical picture or God’s picture of a mother. I hope that today’s lesson will encourage all mothers here to work as hard as they can to have the qualities that characterize the woman of Prov. 31. The ideal woman can be found in these verses.  Here 5 terms might be used to define the woman.  They are:

I.  First/Foremost – She is Trustworthy.  (31:10-12)

A.        Husband can trust her to be a suitable helper.  (comparable helper)

1.          31:11 - Husband can trust her to carry on the business of the home in the most efficient way possible. A immense blessing to the family.

2.         She can help manage the family – while the husband attends to his work in providing for the family.

B.        She is a trustworthy wife.  Husband can trust her to be faithful to marriage vows.

II.  Hard Working (31:13-14)

A.        3:13 – works willingly w/her hands.

1.          doesn’t work reluctantly.

B.        3 temptations today:  Television, Telephone, TV Dinners.

1.          These can turn one away  from work & lead to slothfulness.

2.         Note from the text some characteristics of how she is hardworking:

a)           31:15, 27 - She’s not above working at home.

b)  31:16, 18-19 - she is not above working outside the home. 

III.  Respectful (31:17, 22) {of herself, health, welfare}

A.        31:17 – she cares for her own health.

1.          31:22 – she cares about her appearance.

a)                  she dresses becomingly.

b)                 Her clothing reflects her character & self respect.

c)                  Prov. 11:22 – she realizes that her beauty must come from within.

B.        1 Tim. 2:9-10 – the appearance of woman has been important in all ages – just as it is today.

IV.  Kind – 31:26

A.        No malicious gossip comes from her lips.

B.        There are many types of speech we could be remembered for:

1.          Pro. 25:24; 27:15-16 – contentious – stirring up strife.

2.         1 Tim. 5:13 – gossips – saying things which should not.

3.          Compare aforementioned to Col. 4:6.

C.         31:25 - Kind words/speech can be tied to the virtuous wife’s attitude.

V.  Valuable (what is the end result of the above?)

A.              not just valuable, but invaluable! Wealth can’t be stated in monetary terms!

1.          31:10 – worth far above rubies.

B.              31:28-29 – Blessing/praise of husband & children.

C.               31:30 – the promise of the Lord. God looks at her as being beautiful.

D.              31:31 – she deserves praise & her life will do so.

Conclusion:

A.        Understanding & following God’s pattern is always the best way to go.

B.        Begin today to be God’s kind of persons.  Live as He would want you to live.