Mother’s Day: More Precious Than Jewels
Discovering the Excellent Woman of Proverbs 31
proverbs 31
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
— Proverbs 31:10
Mother's Day weekend provides a special moment for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary women in our lives who exemplify love, sacrifice, and wisdom. Last Sunday, our church joyfully highlighted these women through special songs by our children and meaningful baby dedications. Central to our service, however, was a deeper dive into Proverbs 31, exploring the compelling portrait of the "excellent woman" and the practical lessons it offers to us all.
Her Inestimable Value
Proverbs begins with the assertion that a virtuous woman is rare and invaluable, and that her worth surpasses precious jewels. Her husband trusts her completely, knowing she brings him good consistently. She is a steward and advocate who deeply respects her husband, enriching their family's legacy through her integrity and devotion.
Her Diligence and Enterprising Spirit
Marked by joyful diligence, the Proverbs 31 woman actively nurtures her family and engages wisely with the resources entrusted to her. She rises early to care for her household and thoughtfully manages ventures to support her family’s needs. Her energy and commitment significantly impact everyone around her.
Her Compassion and Preparedness
Compassion is a defining trait of this woman. Her generosity extends beyond her immediate family as she actively cares for the poor and those in need. She thoughtfully prepares her family for future challenges, ensuring they are ready and secure, demonstrating her foresight and responsible stewardship.
Her Lasting Impact
The influence of the Proverbs 31 woman extends well beyond her home. Her consistent support and wise counsel elevate her husband's standing in the community. Her children and spouse openly acknowledge and celebrate her impact, affirming the profound contribution she makes through her wisdom and kindness.
True Beauty and Enduring Praise
Proverbs concludes by reminding us that true beauty is not rooted in fleeting charm or physical appearance but in a woman’s reverence for the Lord. Her spiritual depth, evident through her devotion, prayers, and steadfast love, leaves a lasting legacy and earns enduring praise and respect.
Action Steps
All this sounds great, but what does it actually mean for our lives? Here are some ideas of how this week’s message might show up throughout your week:
For Moms:
Reflect on your identity in Christ, recognizing that your true value is found in Him. Prioritize spiritual disciplines that deepen your relationship with God.
For Men:
Actively affirm and support the women in your life. Create intentional opportunities for their spiritual growth, offering prayerful encouragement and practical support.
For Children (of all ages):
Intentionally express gratitude to your mother or a mother-figure, recognizing their sacrifices and the spiritual legacy they offer. Embrace and actively pursue your faith journey in response to their discipleship.
For Everyone:
Emulate the Proverbs 31 woman's compassion by identifying someone in need this week and extending practical support.
Dive Deeper:
Here are a few ways to reflect more deeply in the days ahead:
Scriptures for Meditation:
Proverbs 31, Ephesians 6:2–3, and 1 Peter 3:4
Explore the lives of biblical mothers such as Hannah, Mary, Lois, and Eunice, gleaning insights and inspiration from their examples
Consider what it means to "fear the Lord" and how this shapes your daily life and decisions
A Poem for Reflection:
A Mother's Love (Author Unknown)
A mother's love is something
That no one can explain—
It is made of deep devotion,
And of sacrifice and pain.
It is endless and unselfish,
And enduring come what may,
For nothing can destroy it
Or take that love away…
It is patient and forgiving
When all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
Even though the heart is breaking…
It believes beyond believing
When the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
Of the rarest, brightest gems.
A Song to Sing:
Discussion Questions
These questions can help carry Sunday’s message into your home or group!
For Families:
What qualities from Proverbs 31 do you see in your mom or another important woman in your life?
How can our family better honor and appreciate the women who care for us?
What are practical ways we can support each other spiritually at home?
Why do you think discipleship at home is so important?
What is one thing we can do together this week to reflect the generosity of the Proverbs 31 woman?
For Friends/Small Groups:
How has the example of the Proverbs 31 woman challenged or encouraged you personally?
Discuss ways your group can practically support women, especially mothers, in your community.
In what ways can we better prioritize discipleship within our homes and families?
How does understanding true beauty as described in Proverbs 31 impact your daily interactions?
What steps can we take individually and collectively to cultivate greater compassion and generosity?
In Conclusion
The Proverbs 31 woman may seem like an unattainable ideal, but her example beautifully illustrates the transformative power of a life dedicated to God. This Mother's Day, let's genuinely honor the women who have profoundly impacted our lives and commit anew to faithfully nurturing the next generation in Christ, ensuring our homes remain the vital mission fields God intends them to be.