I’ve had the privilege of being the mother to four beautiful children.  I’ve also had the privilege of having been raised by a remarkable mother.  In both roles, I frequently reflect on Proverbs 31.  It is quite possibly one of my favorite chapters in the Bible as a wife and mother.  

In celebration of mothers around the globe, come with me and reflect on the words penned by King Lemuel.  I invite you to let them soak in, stir something in your heart, and apply them to your current season of life.  I pray that your hearts and minds will be renewed by the eternal wisdom contained in this passage.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Proverbs 31: 28-29

THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD

¹⁰ An excellent wife who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels.

¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

¹² She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

¹³ She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

¹⁵ She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.  Her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.