Preached Mother’s Day May 12, 2013
Proverbs 31:28
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Introduction:
There is no job on this planet more demanding, more prestigious, more influential, and less appreciated than motherhood! Today we take a few moments and honor this blessed calling!
In our passage this morning, we find an anthem of praise dedicated to all of those virtuous women out there that have served behind the scenes often unnoticed and underappreciated. The writer starts this passage by explaining the incredible value of a virtuous woman. The word for virtue is conformity to the standard of right. – It is moral excellence.
Our passage goes on to list the incredible characteristics of a virtuous woman. As we reflect upon this passage, let us honor our mothers for the virtues we recognize from our passage. There is also a challenge for you ladies to aspire to even greater virtue. Today as we reflect upon our loving mothers, let us together “arise up and call her blessed.”
I. The virtuous woman is trusted by her husband
A. She is good for him
Proverbs 31:11-12
11 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.
1. He does not need to worry about her
2. She would not intentionally hurt him
B. His reputation is boosted by her virtue
Proverbs 31:23
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
II. The virtuous woman provides for her household needs.
A. Clothing
1. Materials
Proverbs 31:13
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
2. Warmth
Proverbs 31:21
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
3. Beauty
Proverbs 31:22
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
B. Food
Proverbs 31:14
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
C. Income
1. At home
Proverbs 31:16
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
2. In the market place
Proverbs 31:24
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
III. The virtuous woman works long hours.
A. She exhibits incredible strength
Proverbs 31:16
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
B. She rises early
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
C. She retires late
Proverbs 31:18
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
D. She is not idle
Proverbs 31:27
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
IV. The virtuous woman is kind hearted
A. To her household
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
B. To strangers
Proverbs 31:20
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
C. In her speech
Proverbs 31:26
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
1. Wisdom
2. Kindness- comfort
V. The virtuous woman deserves praise!
A. From her children
Proverbs 31:28
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
B. Publicly
1. Because she fears the Lord
Proverbs 31:29-30
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
2. Because of her works
Proverbs 31:31
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.