Solomon starts the Book of Proverbs about wisdom and advice from a father. Sandwiched in between is the instruction for children to obtain wisdom and knowledge. Then in closing the Book, Solomon concludes with wisdom from a Mother and about a very precious Mother, a lady of virtue. The closing verses show us one of the most glorious tributes to womanhood that are found in Scripture. Solomon shares the advice of his Godly Mother concerning her quality and the dignity of a priceless wife.
Nothing is known about King Lemuel, except that there was no king of Israel by that name, we agree with those who identify this King as Solomon. Solomon's Mother undoubtedly made a vow as we see in verse two, now she is keeping the vow made for this son. She gives him this advice in the introduction of the thought as Solomon is warned against:
He is also advised to be an advocate for the underdog, an arbitrator for the poor and need.
With this warning given, now the instructions and advice for a Godly wife are given. Here we find a very high, solemn and noble view of women. The lady in these verses is:
There is no Scripture given anywhere to match what we have here
for a Godly Mother, in her ways and advice.
1. Her Worth
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a
virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Why
is this woman pictured as a rare Priceless Portrait of womanhood?
One reason that I can tell you, after 38 years of marriage this
month, is because she is a working Mother and wife. Her wisdom,
her ability to live life in a productive, and prosperous
way is an example to women everywhere who have to work to help
make the ends meet for the family circle .
The Book of Proverbs often personifies wisdom as a woman (Proverbs 8:1–11), and also describes this wisdom to be more valuable than any riches.
A. Her Husband
Proverbs 31:11-12 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. What a beautiful picture of a priceless woman, in this description of one's value, notice that Solomon speaks of the heart, not the superficial looks of vain appearances. Solomon views are from the position of God, as God looks at the heart, not the outward features. (1 Sam. 16:7)To her husband she is trusted as she loves and is loved, then she is loyal. The Godly wife in absolutely faithful. (1 Cor. 7).
B. Her Household (Vrs. 13-19)
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. There is no slothfulness in this household, but we find a busy woman that does not have time for idleness, for gossip, long telephone conservation and well we all know the scenario. Notice her:C. Her Hospitality (Vrs. 20-25)
Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. With this Mother and wife's role in the community, she behaves herself in a way that will always look positive on and for her husband. She portrays an attitude of friendliness and is willing to help by stretching her hand to the needy. At the same time guarding her reputation for her Lord, her household and community.
2. Her Wisdom
Proverbs 31:26-27 She openeth
her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
[27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth
not the bread of idleness. It matters not only what
a person says, but how it is said. No one can be so sweet and
charming as a woman whose tongue is controlled by the law of love,
and this, of course, presupposes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
She is both wise and kind in her advice and admonitions.
The term "kindness" is from the word "hesed",
now I like that (He Said), which indicates she is able and willing
to teach morality and to give spiritual instruction to her children.
Notice the advice given is considered to be the law of a Mother.
Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction
of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy Mother:
Proverbs 6:20 ¶My son, keep thy father's commandment,
and forsake not the law of thy Mother:
Proverbs 13:14 ¶The law of the wise is
a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
How blessed is the family that has a wise Mother who satisfies
and saturates her family on and in Jesus Christ, His Word and
His Church.
A. Her Family
Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. [29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. The ministry of a Mother must be such that the children and husband will readily agree that she deserves honor and homage. This can not be accomplished without a Christ-honoring home.B. Her Favor
Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Many women have been favored with many social graces of life, and with abundant charms and superficial looks. However, without the favor of the Lord, a woman amounts to zip, to zero, she is not anyone's hero. The key to any Mother's beautiful character is her spiritual life. She is a Godly woman who fears the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.B. Her Fear
The phrase "the fear of the Lord" means "reverential trust with hatred of evil." She is a committed and consecrated Christian. She is united to the Lord by a living faith and separated from all that is evil. This is true nobility and genuine worth; this is the quality of life that lasts when superficial attractions have faded and failed.
3. Her Works
Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the
fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
The result of her labor is her best reward, a person
of this caliber does not have to have someone to flatter them
with plastic words.
A. Her Labors
Let what she has done be spoken of for a memorial of her; let her bright example be held forth in the most public places. Mother's let every son know that this is the kind of wife one should seek when the time of their marriage comes.B. Her Love
So we have seen the portrait of the priceless wife ---- her worth, her wisdom, and her works. Mothers, Christian ladies how do you measure up to this picture? Are you a virtuous woman? Are you a noble wife? A lady of this standing with God is His answer to the broken homes of America. As we taught Wednesday night about the news media reporting that the homes in America are in disrepair. The broken home, juvenile delinquency, and moral collapse in our national life can be turned around by letting Jesus Christ back in our homes. How many of you will take up the challenge and become a woman after God's own heart?
Now in closing, for you young folk and for anyone that does not know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. I read from a statement from D.L. Moody. "I remember in the Exposition building in Dublin, while I was speaking about Heaven, I said something to the effect that perhaps at this moment a Mother is looking down from Heaven upon her daughter here tonight,” and I pointed down to a young lady in the audience. Next morning I received this letter:"
On Wednesday when you were speaking of Heaven you said, “It may be this moment there is a Mother looking down from Heaven expecting the salvation of her child who is here.” You were apparently looking at the very spot where my child was sitting. My heart said, “That is my child. That is her Mother.” Tears sprang to my eyes. I bowed my head and prayed, “Lord, direct that word to my darling child's heart; Lord, save my child.” I was then anxious till the close of the meeting, when I went to her. She was bathed in tears. She rose, put her arms round me, and kissed me. When walking down to you she told me it was that same remark (about the Mother looking down from Heaven) that found the way home to her, and asked me, papa, what can I do for Jesus?”
Roger Pickett
105 Pickett St.
Jonesville, NC 28642
5/4/02
Dayspring Baptist Chapel
5/5/02