Biblical Characteristics of Mothers

This morning, my desire is not to present a sappy sentimental sermon on mothers, but rather I want to present to you a Biblical picture of some Godly Women and their Characteristics. I love to talk about the almost unending love of a mother, and all of those precious times around our home when I was young. But I also recognize that not everyone had those times, or can understand that.

We can, however see some things in the Bible, about God's design and purpose on not only Mother's but Godly women.

Let's read a passage found in Proverbs 31:10-28

He begins with a question - "Who can find a virtuous woman?" His question leads me to believe they are hard to find and are very valuable.

Notice he does not draw her value from her beauty, or her talent or money, but rather her trustworthiness and dependability.

Now before you shut me out, ladies by saying to yourselves, (OH great another message on the Proverbs 31 woman that I'll never live up to….)

I want to mention this morning that this passage is actually a poem, a poem that is a personification of wisdom.

That is the whole point of the book of Proverbs, right - WISDOM.

But notice that God does not use a man to give us a picture of wisdom.

--- PAUSE--- I kind of thought I might get some amens from the women right there ---

God does use the feminine to talk about and present Wisdom

"She crieth in the streets" and other verses show us this.

Another problem I have with you Ladies comparing yourselves by the woman presented here is that She does all the work, she buys the land, she clothes the family, she is the provider.

while the husband sits in the gate or meets with the other guys and calls you blessed.

As much as you should always commend, praise, and encourage your wives - I don't think this is the Biblical model for a successful relationship.

There are somethings here that are very helpful though in viewing a godly woman. As that is the picture God uses to show us Wisdom.

The Activities of the Woman - Now another thing I want us to notice - is that this passage was written not only to show us a picture of wisdom, but also instructing a young man on the type of wife to look for. Not necessarily a way to instruct women on how to live. One who is industrious - 13-19 - We live in a day where Women do not have to sit at the spinning wheel or even sewing machine all the time to provide clothes for their family. That is a very valuable talent to have, but not necessary. My wife and others have a knack and special talent for finding those deals, sales on both clothing, food, and house hold supplies. - This is a valuable asset to any home.Sometimes we use the word "Thrifty" but I like to think of it more as being a WISE WOMAN. Now I also know that women are not the only ones who do the shopping, but the writer of this poem is saying, look for a woman who is industrious and able to take the home farther. This passage uses the idea of commerce. She takes things she makes, grows, or gathers and sells or trades them for other goods she was not able to provide before.

20-27 - This pictures her as being successful in her endeavors - When the needy come by - she doesn't have to turn them away because she has something she can help them withWhen the cold comes they don't have to endure the cold by huddling in a corner and shivering because she has made plans. Now all of this sounds great and if you have been listening perhaps even unattainable.But I want to commend the ladies in our church I regard every single one of you as being a Proverbs 31 Woman. I want to quickly give you a couple of others in the Bible that are called blessed that might be more of an encouragement to you than this passage. I think looking in the scripture you find some characteristics in the Bible that show us the picture of those who have those who will rise up and call them blessed.

Mother of Moses - The Mama Bear instinct of a mother- Exodus 2:1-10The HoldingThe HidingThe Guiding An Unknown Mother of an Unknown Baby - The Love of a Mother 1 Kings 3:16-28The Circumstances didn't change her feelings for her baby (some of this is changing we are seeing a rise of unnatural affection) Mary the Mother of Jesus - The Responsibility of a mother Luke 1:26-37The Pondering Heart - Kept all these thingsThe Pounding Heart- When they lost Jesus (Sometimes a mom's responsibility brings heart pounding fear or dread)The Pouring Heart - Taught him -

I thank God for all of the godly women and my Mother who have inspired, encouraged, challenged, and supported me - i stand here today to honor, remember, and thank them.