A Mother’s Legacy

Bible Passage: Proverbs 31:10–31

Summary: Proverbs 31:10–31 describes the characteristics and qualities of a virtuous woman, often interpreted as an ideal mother, highlighting her wisdom, work ethic, and fear of the Lord.

Application: This passage serves as a reminder that mothers play a crucial role in society and in the family, encouraging them to embrace their God-given abilities and influence with grace and strength. It inspires both mothers and their families to value the hard work and dedication that goes into motherhood, recognizing it as a ministry in itself.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that motherhood is not only a role filled with responsibilities but also one that requires strength, wisdom, and a deep-rooted faith in God. It will encourage mothers to find their identity and purpose in Christ, showing how their actions can impact their families and communities for the glory of God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, the ideal woman exemplified in Proverbs 31 points towards the ultimate example of virtue found in Christ. Just as this woman is portrayed as a guiding light in her family, Christ embodies the perfect servant-leader who nurtures, protects, and provides for His people.

Big Idea: Mothers can leave a lasting legacy through their virtuous character and faithfulness to God, impacting future generations with their example of Christ-like love and service.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the Hebrew text of Proverbs 31:10-31 using Logos, which may provide insights into specific word choices and cultural context. You might also find it beneficial to study other biblical characters of women and their motherhood, such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, to draw parallels and applications. Furthermore, exploring commentaries on the attributes of the virtuous woman could enrich your understanding of how these traits can be applied today.

Good morning,

Today is always a special day, not just here but everywhere. Did you know that outside of Easter and Christmas, today is the highest average attendance at church each year? Everyone wants top celebrate mama, and I get it, believe me. Today takes an even different perspective for me as I have seen my wife, Alyssa transform into a mom. So, Happy Mother’s Day!

When preparing for this message today I spent a lot of time in prayer, as I always do, see Chad gave me a hard time last Father’s Day when he spoke, saying I take it easy on mama’s and are hard on dad’s. And that is true, can’t deny that. So today, we will look at a familiar passage of scripture, one women everywhere probably know, or at least have heard of. It is found in Proverbs 31. The question for us today, how do we define a Mother’s legacy?

Proverbs 31:10–31 NIV

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Big Idea: Mothers can leave a lasting legacy through their virtuous character and faithfulness to God, impacting future generations with their example of Christ-like love and service.

1. Prepared and Productive

Proverbs 31:10–15 NIV

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

You could highlight the tireless efforts and strong work ethic of the virtuous woman in these verses as an example not only for mothers but for all Christians in their daily tasks. Connect her preparedness and diligence to the calling of Christians to serve in faithfulness, embracing their roles with joy, much like Christ served His mission with dedication and love. Encourage mothers to find strength in God’s guidance as they nurture and provide for their families, demonstrating Christ’s love through their actions.

Moms are prepared and productive

If you want something done, you give it to the ladies and watch that task be done

Men we like to take our time, women get it done

The virtuous mother works hard, is prepared, and sets an example.

They do this with Joy, Dedication and Love

Moms find strength in God’s guidance as you nurture and provide for your family, demonstrating Christ through those actions

Today’s world can make this hard

The words used to describe the proverbs 31 woman can also be found in describing Ruth.

2. Purposeful and Wise

Proverbs 31:16–24 NIV

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Perhaps these verses serve as a reminder of the wisdom and business acumen the virtuous woman possesses, suggesting that her insight and foresight are essential tools. This aligns with Christ's strategic vision for His mission on earth, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in action. Encourage mothers and all believers to seek God’s wisdom to steward their resources purposefully and prudently, impacting their families and communities positively.

A virtuous mother is wise and purposeful

She intently plans, and organizes

She has insight that we men tend to lack

A woman of God will be aligned with Him, His mission

She finds her purpose in His plan

Watching Alyssa grow as a mother just in the last 4 months has been incredible

Seeks God’s will, steward resources, impacts community and family positively

3. Powerful and Reverent

Proverbs 31:25–31 NIV

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

You could focus on how these final verses emphasize the woman’s strength, dignity, and fear of the Lord as her ultimate virtues, which resonate with the teachings of Christ. Acknowledge that a mother’s legacy is built on her character and faith, urging mothers to prioritize their spiritual growth. Perhaps this passage closes with a call to recognize and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices made by mothers, much like how we honor Christ for His sacrifice and love.

She is strong

My mom, Alyssa, women I have seen in my life

She is dignified

She walks in the fear of the Lord

Legacy is built on character, faith and spiritual growth

We must recognize this hard work and honor it

A Virtuous mother leads her family to Christ through her examples. She is truly a woman of God