The characteristics of the mother in Proverbs 31

— By Richard Merritt

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect mother, influenced by the positive or negative qualities of their own. No mother is perfect. They are not angels, neither are their offspring angels. They do not become angels when they die. No one does. God created all the angels at one point in time. “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7 KJV) At the creation, God’s angels (the morning stars that sang and the sons of God that shouted) were present to praise Him and to celebrate with Him. Although no mother is perfect or an angel, the Bible reveals wonderful and special qualities of the Proverbs 31 mother.

Solomon (King Lemuel) gave his son instructions that “his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1 KJV) “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (Proverbs 31:10, 28 KJV) A mother’s instructions are by example, words and actions. The Proverbs 31 mother is a saved, godly woman that loves the Lord and teachers her children to love God.

The characteristics of a Proverbs 31 mother include her virtue, her value and her trustworthiness. She does good and no evil. She is a worker, a business woman and a provider. She loves hospitality and generously provides tasty meals for her family. She is a strong woman that accepts the challenges of the monumental task of serving as wife and mother.

The Proverbs 31 mother believes no hour is too early or too late to help her children or grandchildren. She has compassion on the less fortunate, helps meet the needs of those that are struggling and plans ahead so that the changing seasons do not arrive without the proper preparation. She sews, cooks, cleans often without a word of thanks of any expression of appreciation.

A Proverbs 31 mother deserves the respect and love of her husband and her children. Above all other things, she loves the Lord. Her faith remains strong during the most difficult times of life. She is able to rejoice with the psalmist David that God is “with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23:4-6 KJV)

No mother’s instructions are complete. A mother may depart this life with the regret that she might have neglected to say something that could have helped her children be better equipped to face the challenges of life. Those that have mothers that have already stepped into eternity often express the wish that they could talk to her one more time. Mothers do not live forever in this world. Some are neglected, forsaken and even hated by their own children.

The memories of a Proverbs 31 mother are sweet. Remember her voice, her hands, her arms, her hugs, the love in her eyes and thank God for such a wonderful blessing. God’s plan is for every child to have a Proverbs 31 mother. Even though no mother is not perfect or an angel, cherish the good memories. Mom made fudge, chocolate gravy, wonderful yeast rolls and pound cake. When I smell a pound cake that is in the oven, I am transported to my mother’s kitchen. Thank God for your mother and remember the good times. Try it, you’ll like it.

(Merritt is the pastor at Trinity Baptist Church.)

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