Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed”.
Introduction: Proverbs 31 is a proverb that the mother of King Lemuel taught him and was written down by King Lemuel for him to remember. This proverb describes a virtuous woman (morally good, chaste, pure, genuine, uncorrupt). This woman is difficult to find according to Vs 10 and is worth a lot, way more than rubies.
In this passage of scripture, we see the children of a virtuous women and how her children arise up and call her blessed. To bless is to praise and magnify her. To speak well of her to others.
These children call her mother blessed because:
- She Works Willingly– Vs 13 “worketh willingly”. That means she does it by her free will, without reluctance, cheerfully, no one has to tell her or motivate her. She does it because she wants to not because she has to. Vs 14- She buys the food. Vs 15- “giveth meat to her household”. She prepares the meals for the family. There is no food like homemade food (momma’s food). Vs 16- “with the fruit of her hands”- she is hardworking. Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”. Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”.
2. She Helps Others– Vs 20 specifically, she helps the poor and the needy. She is a compassionate woman. This requires a person who is looking for needs and is willing to open up her purse, or home, or vehicles.
Poor– someone who doesn’t have much.
Needy– Ephesians 4:28 “Let him that stole seal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth”. Colossians 3:12 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies”. I John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dweleth the love of God in him?”
3. Strength and Honour are her Clothing– Vs 25 this is what she puts on every day, like a uniform. She puts on strength and honour. Strength- It takes strength to carry baby’s, groceries, wash/fold/iron, to plant a vineyard. Honour- She wears honour beucase her children honour her- Ephesians 6:2 “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise)”. To honour is to esteem, to reverence, to magnify.
4. She has a Good Mouth– vs 26 In her mouth is wisdom and kindness. In certain circumstances you just want to ask mom because there is something about the way she answers you and what she says that is a big help to a problem. It’s a word fitly spoken. Wisdom- She has understanding, prudent, and or discerning when you ask a question or run into a problem. The right use or exercise of knowledge. Kindness- Favorable, disposed to do good to others and to make them happy by granting their request. Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another”.
5. She looks out for her Household– Vs 27 She is faithful in managing the home and with her time (not idle)-Vs 27. Proverbs 14:1 “Every wise woman buildeth her house”. Titus 2:5 “keepers at home”. The ways of her household- She knows what’s in the fridge and pantry. Eatheth not the bread of Idleness- She is never unoccupied, slothful, or unfruitful.
6. She Fears the Lord– Vs 30 “but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised”. This woman has a fear of God and His power, His being, His awe, His displeasure. Proverbs 8:13- This woman hates evil because she fears the Lord and because of it, she is not proud, arrogant, evil, nor has a froward mouth.
- Proverbs 14:26- “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge”. No wonder her children bless her, they feel secure in the place of refuge they have in her, who is fearing the Lord and receiving that confidence.
- Do you fear the Lord? If you don’t have a fear of God is because you don’t know Him, would you know Him this morning? Put your faith in His finished work on the cross for you, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: If you are blessed enough to still have your mother and you see some or all of these qualities in her, you have a great mother, take the time to call her blessed this morning and often.
Anchor Baptist Church 