I. Introduction
A. Mother’s Day Funnies
B. Mother’s Day
C. God on Mother’s Day
1. This morning, I would like for us to think about mothers from God’s perspective.
a. God created this season of life when Eve found herself to be with child.
b. What began there was the complexity of motherhood.
2. Lessons like this can tend to be hard on women as they wrestle with these complexities.
a. The woman of Proverbs 31 is like a superhero. In fact, you may notice in the notes of your Bible that verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem of the Hebrew alphabet.
b. It is meant to be much like Psalm 119.
3. This poem is meant to be more than just a depiction of a good mother. In many ways it personifies the life of a person who seeks to live according to the wisdom of God.
4. What are some lessons we should all learn from the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31?
II. More than Mom
A. (v 30)
1. We sometimes struggle with defining success in our world today.
a. Mothers often find themselves comparing their children with others and perhaps thinking they come up short in what they are supplying their children.
b. Part of the confusion comes from the source of our comparison…one another.
2. Notice in verse 30 that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
3. Success in the eyes of God is not about how successful the world thinks you are; it’s about living a life with His teaching and guidance.
4. Notice the things she is praised for:
a. Husband trusts in her (v 11)
b. Provides for her family (v. 15)
c. Compassionate (v. 20)
5. Strive to be excellent in the things that to God.
B. (v. 31:17)
1. Christians are to live lives.
a. Joshua was told three times by God, “Be strong and courageous…”
b. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2. Our virtuous woman is pictured as someone confident.
a. Three times we find the word strength or strong (31:17 (2X),25)
b. In verse 21, she is not afraid of the elements because she is prepared.
3. But this confidence is not in ourselves; it is in the .
a. 1 Samuel 17:46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…
b. 2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
4. Wise Christians find their confidence in the Lord.
C. (v 26)
1. Throughout the book of Proverbs, wisdom is the key teaching.
2. In a final word on wisdom, she is personified once again as a woman; this time, a mother and wife whom all can look to for guidance.
a. Notice in Proverbs 1:8 that the Father’s speech to his son on searching for wisdom includes listening to the mother’s teaching.
b. This is what King Lemuel is focusing on as he finishes this poem. Look at Proverbs 31:1-2, 8-9. She is giving him wisdom.
3. Illustration: My mom has spoken truth and wisdom into my life in ways no one else can. She has said hard things to me that I needed to hear, but from a place of such complete love that I could not deny what I was hearing was true.
4. To become wise, we must listen to those who are .
III. Conclusion
A. Mother’s Day
B. Invitation