A Mother’s Example

May 2025

Proverbs 31 is the finest description ever found in the Bible of a godly woman and mother. It is written by King Lemuel, whose name means “dedicated to God” or “belonging to God.” Though we do not know anything about him, many rabbis and Bible scholars believe that Lemuel is another name for Solomon; and based on the context and what we know of Solomon, it seems very likely.

Bill MacDonald in commenting on this chapter says, “The important thing is that he has preserved for us the wise counsel which his mother gave him.” Mothers are counselors, teachers, leaders, examples, nurses, and companions to their kids. What we learn from our godly mothers is far more impactful than what we glean from all the pastors, preachers, and teachers we learn from because mothers teach by example in their kindness, patience and love. They are there for us every day and guide us in God’s ways. An old Spanish proverbs says, “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.”

The heart of the mother drives the hands of the mother. Mothers are motivated by pure love and never cease their care for their children until the day God takes them home to glory. Proverbs 31:19-20 says, “She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” Did you ever consider what a mother’s hands look like? They are busy hands, helping hands, happy hands, soothing hands, and gentle hands. A mother’s touch helps so much.

An unknown person once said, “A mother holds her children’s hands for a while, their hearts forever.” The child grows up, moves away and has his or her own family, but the mother remains a loving influence and example. Mothers never resign, never retire, and never stop mothering. We can never put a value on who they are, what they do, and what they mean to us! One day a year to honor them is just not enough! Let us daily show them how much we love them and appreciate them. We are who we are today because of them. Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers.