I have seen frequent requests for a Bible study for families, particularly to help moms in their role as primary caregivers for their children. There are several places in Scriptures that refer to the importance of parents teaching their children, especially in the book of Proverbs, which we’ve looked at in the past. There are phrases like this throughout the book:
“My son, obey your father’s instruction and follow your mother’s life-giving teaching. Fill your heart with their advice and let your life be shaped by what they’ve taught you. Their wisdom will guide you wherever you go.” Pro 6:20,22a
The entire book was written to instruct and shape young people to walk in wisdom and infers the source of this teaching is the parent. It’s important to point out that it’s inherently understood that the father and mother are both instructing their children constantly.
One of my favorite portions of the book of Proverbs is in the last chapter, Proverbs 31:10-31 because it is describing a virtuous woman and is full of insight into our roles as mothers. It ends with this verse:
“Charm is misleading and beauty is vain and fleeting, but the virtuous woman lives in wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity.” Pro 31:30
Wow, praised throughout eternity! Why? The verses just before this one talks about why.
It starts by saying the virtuous woman is a wife, a woman of strength and mighty valor. She’s full of wealth and wisdom.” The Hebrew used for wife is khayil, which means mighty like an army, military prowess, morally righteous, full of integrity, abilities, and strength.
This describes the nature of the virtuous woman and the following verses talk of what she does.
“She brings her husband good and “rich spoils of victory”, she searches out continually to possess that which is pure and righteous. She delights in the works of her hands.”13
In the Passion translation, the notes for this last verse states, “Or eagerly works with her hands. Her hand speaks of the five-fold ministries of the present work of Christ. Her delight is to equip others and help those in need.” This begins with her children.
“She gives out revelation truth to feed others, like a trading ship bringing divine supplies. Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for hungry ones in her house and for others.”14,15
She is a teacher and is hospitable.
“She sets her heart upon a nation and takes it as her own carrying it within her, she labors there to plant living vines. She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works. She tastes and experiences a better substance and her shining light will not be extinguished no matter how dark the night.” 16-18
She is anointed with power to do the works of Jesus and is a prayer warrior who prays for the nations and labors to help extend the kingdom of God in the world.
She helps the needy and is generous to the poor.
“She is not afraid of tribulation for all her household is covered in dual garments of righteousness and grace.” 21
In the footnotes, it states, “the Hebrew translates, ‘all are covered in scarlet(blood).’” Grace has brought righteousness to those in her household, under her ministry”. This is so powerful!
“Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. 25
The virtuous woman is confident and brave because she knows she is a daughter of the King who provides for and protects her. She knows she will be with her Bridegroom for all of eternity.
“Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instructions pour from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have.” 26-27
These verses describe a mother who is constantly instructing, shaping, guiding her family with love, wisdom, and kindness. She is the consummate servant, who lays her life down for others.
“Her sons and daughters arise to extol her virtues and her husband arises to praise her saying, There are many valiant and noble ones, but you exceed them all.” 28,29
Pouring into our families does have a reward. They will esteem us with high regard because of our sacrifice and dedication, and especially spiritual instruction. Beyond that, we have the Lord’s commendation throughout eternity. The chapter ends with these words.
“The virtuous woman lives in the fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, honor her for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city.” 30b,31
I speak these words of truth over you today. You are the virtuous woman who is worthy of praise. You are instructing and shaping your children constantly with wisdom from the Lord, with love and spiritual truths from the Word. I bless you to believe that this is your job description that you are equipped to do mightily because you are empowered by His Spirit for the role.
I encourage you to reread these verses, putting your name in the verses, stating them as the truth about yourself.
I am a woman of strength and mighty valor. I am full of wealth and wisdom. I am the radiant woman whose loving works of righteousness deserve to be honored and praised. They are by the Lord who says, well done good and faithful servant!
