May 9, 1999 12 min read old-sermon

A Tribute to Women (Proverbs 31:10-31)

please open your Bibles to Proverbs 31 this morning
a mother was asked in a county clerk’s office what her job is
she replied, “I am a mother”
mother was not an acceptable job description
so she wrote:

I’m…a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations…I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn’t?) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Master’s (for a whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to agree?) and often I work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money.

it is 91 years since Mother’s Day was first celebrated on May 10, 1908
the idea started with a women named Anna Jarvis
she was so grief-stricken by the death of her mother three years before on the second Sunday of May, that on the anniversary of her mother’s death, she invited some friends over to her home
and she announced her idea for an annual nationwide celebration to be called Mother’s Day
she then wrote to the Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where her mother had attended for many years
and she suggested that they hold a service at which mothers would receive special recognition
so, on May 10, 1908, the first Mother’s Day service was held in Grafton, where the minister’s text was John 19:26-27:
(John 19:26) When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,”
(John 19:27) and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Miss Jarvis presented every mother in the congregation with a carnation, her own mother’s favorite flower
the idea began to take off
the U.S. House of Representatives quickly passed a Mother’s Day resolution, but it stalled in the Senate
Miss Jarvis began one of the most energetic letter-writing campaigns in history
she wrote to congressmen, mayors, business leaders, and ministers throughout the country
soon everyone was celebrating an unofficial Mother’s Day
finally, in 1914, the Senate approved the resolution, and President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day
that’s not the end of the story
Anne Jarvis became disappointed in the commercialism of the occasion
she began to launch lawsuit after lawsuit against any company that tried to profit from Mother’s Day
her lawsuits all failed, she exhausted her savings, lost her home, and was forced to seek public assistance
in 1948, she died a childless and unhappy recluse
but let’s thank God for Anne Jarvis and Mother’s Day
those of us who still have our mothers with us, or are mothers themselves, realize how blessed we are
and I’m sure all of us, whether our mothers are still with us or if they are gone, would like to be able to give her one more carnation and take her out to dinner one more time
I agree with the author who wrote:

The Mom Ministry is one of the toughest assignments God ever gave anybody. She’s got to be as insightful as a psychologist, tough as a marine corps drill instructor, gentle as a nurse. She’s got to be a labor and management negotiator, a teacher, an electrician, a plumber and a carpenter. It requires an endless supply of energy, a massive amount of patience, an iron will and recognition of the fact that if she gets sick, she’s got to get well before the end of the school day. (Norman Bales, All About Families ministry)

and yet the ministry of motherhood has been derogated in recent decades
some women may choose to have careers, after becoming mothers, but more disturbing than this is the popular notion that motherhood or even parenting is a second-class calling
Dr. Grace Ketterman writes:
Perhaps the most urgent need of our era is the restoration of the high value of godly mothering…. Those of us who cherish biblical values must teach and practice them consistently. Those of us who are mothers must see that responsibility as a high privilege. We must reclaim our role as the shapers and supporters of the next generation of leaders and parents.
this morning is Mother’s Day
we are going to pay tribute to our mothers
we are so grateful for the qualities that our mothers exemplify
but there are many women who are not mothers
and we want to pay tribute to them this morning
I’m not going to make the mistake of telling women how to be better women
what do I know about being a woman?
but we’re going to let the Bible this morning pay tribute to the women in our lives as it paints a lofty view of females
I HOPE YOU REALIZE FIRST OF ALL THAT THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT WOMEN AND MEN ARE EQUAL IN PERSONHOOD AND IMPORTANCE
when God created humans, he created both male and female in his image
men and women were made equally in God’s image, and both men and women reflect God’s image in their lives
we need to realize that Scripture teaches that men and women are equally important to God and equally valuable to him
I get very angry when I hear some chauvinist men let on that they are somehow worth more because they are men
no man should feel superior because he is a man, and no women should feel inferior because she is a woman
the Bible is clear, right from Genesis 1, that God values males and females equally, and both are created in his image
the Bible is also clear that there is an equality of God’s people in the church
(Galatians 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Paul was emphasizing to the Galatians that they had better not adopt the values of the culture in which men thought of themselves as being superior to women
instead, Paul told them that men and women are equal before God and should be equally valuable to each other as well
I won’t even get into the rights that the Bible bestows on a woman that were unthinkable in the culture of the day
or the friendships that Jesus had with women
we need to realize the dignity that the Bible bestows upon women
does this mean that there are no differences between men and women at all?
I think that most of us would recognize that there are some fairly obvious differences between men and women
there are two schools of thought on this issue
both recognize that women, Scripturally speaking, are equal before God
but one view teaches that men and women are equal and yet have different roles
that’s another morning’s topic
but make no mistake: women and men are equal in personhood and importance
THE BIBLE IS ALSO CLEAR THAT WE SHOULD PAY TRIBUTE TO WOMEN
and that’s what we’re going to do this morning
1 Peter 3:7 tells husbands to “bestow honor” on their wives
and Proverbs 31 is a beautiful picture of the honor given to a godly woman
the passage in Proverbs 31 pays tribute to a woman who is finding fulfillment in her home, in the community, and in a career
this passage doesn’t limit women to one of these roles
now please understand that this passage isn’t intended to place guilt on women or to create unrealistic expectations
in fact, no one person could fulfill the pattern given for us in Proverbs 31
some Bible scholars view this passage as the personification of wisdom – the sum of all the virtues espoused in the book of Pro verbs
nevertheless, it also serves as a pattern for women to follow if they want to live lives of wisdom
if you’re a woman, please sit back and bask in the praise this morning
this isn’t a Hallmark card – it’s God’s Word that’s praising you
so enjoy it
maybe you will be challenged by the passage to find fulfillment in another avenue in your life
THE NOBLE WOMAN IS PRAISEWORTHY IN HER HOME
women, this morning we praise you because many of you have shown yourself praiseworthy in your homes
[AS A WIFE]
(Proverbs 31:10) A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
(Proverbs 31:12) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 12:4) A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown
there’s hardly a day that goes by that I’m not aware of the value of a good wife
Charlene and I are like any couple
we have our good days, and we have our bad days
but not many days go by that I don’t realize how privileged I am to have a wife like her
I am incredibly blessed, and it’s worth even more as we consider that not everyone has this privilege
men, if you are married, please value your wives
your wives are precious, worth far more than rubies
let her know today how much you value her
she is a precious gift
[AS A MOTHER]
we also honor women who are mothers
(Proverbs 31:21) When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
(Proverbs 31:27) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
(Proverbs 31:28) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
it seems that everyone is blaming their parents for their problems
that’s why I like the title of a book I saw: What My Parents Did Right
let’s honor our mothers for their provisions of love for us
when Winston Churchill was still alive, an editor submitted a list for his approval of those who had been his teachers
Churchill returned the list to the editor with this comment: “You have omitted to mention the greatest of my teachers – my mother”
one woman wrote a letter to her child
this letter expresses what a mother gives to her child:

I give you my love, which means that I accept you, without reservations, just as you are and will be.
I give you my personal presence in order that you will have the security you need during your childhood.
I give you my ears, in the sense that I will never be too busy to listen to you – sometimes never uttering even one word.
I give you opportunities to work so that you might learn to do it without shame and come to enjoy the satisfaction of work well done.
I give you my counsel only when it is necessary or you ask for it so that you might avoid some of the mistakes I have made.
I give you my consolation when you have failed or feel discouraged, but I will not always protect you from the consequences of your sins.
I give you instructions in the way of the Lord so that when you are old, you will never depart from it.
I give you my daily prayers that the Lord will keep you and guide you in such a way that you, my child, will be a man or woman who will serve and glorify our Heavenly Father.
This I give you with all my love.

Your Mother,
Lydia Lightner

(Proverbs 31:28) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
let’s praise the women here for what they have done in our homes
there really is no higher contribution that anyone can make than in the life of a child
as children and husbands we applaud you
THE NOBLE WOMAN IS ALSO PRAISEWORTHY IN HER COMMUNITY
(Proverbs 31:20) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:25) She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
(Proverbs 31:26) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
here we have a woman pictured who is compassionate, known for her strength and dignity, and also a wise and loving counselor
her interests reach beyond the confines of her home
she cares for the needs of other people
the passage acknowledges that women are a vital part of the community as a whole
in the church, in neighborhoods and communities, we appreciate the contributions of women
today we have books identifying that men and women are different in fundamental ways
women are from one planet, and men are from another one
of course men get to be the ones from Mars
we need to recognize that women bring to the church community something that men can’t bring
we need to honor their contribution
let’s look at another area of praise for the noble woman
this one might surprise you
THE NOBLE WOMAN IS ALSO PRAISEWORTHY IN HER CAREER
(Proverbs 31:13) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
(Proverbs 31:14) She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
(Proverbs 31:15) She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
(Proverbs 31:16) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
(Proverbs 31:17) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
(Proverbs 31:18) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
(Proverbs 31:19) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
(Proverbs 31:22) She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
(Proverbs 31:24) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Proverbs 31 pictures a working woman
a large amount of her work appeared to be over her home
it appears that her house was a large one that required a lot of supervision
this woman oversaw the provision of food and clothing; she made the choices, worked with her hands
she made wise investments from her earnings
and it even appears that she made some money, as was common in that day, engaging in the trade of fine linens
many people think that the ideal woman according to the Bible is servile, retiring, and domestic
but look at this woman: she’s an excellent wife and mother
but she’s also a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant
Proverbs 31 praises a noble woman who is a good wife, mother, community member, and career woman
not all women choose to have careers, but about 60% of Canadian women over the age of 25 do hold jobs
but for those of you who have made this choice, don’t succumb to those who try to impose guilt on you for having work outside the home
the housewife’s role only came into existence during the Industrial Revolution
in fact, for almost all of history until World War II, women did have careers
we ought to follow the example of Proverbs 31 and praise those women who are not only faithful in their home obligations, but are faithful workers
FINALLY, THE NOBLE WOMAN IS ALSO PRAISEWORTHY SPIRITUALLY
(Proverbs 31:30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
the woman who lives for God is worthy of praise
some of the most spiritual people I have known have been women
and we praise them for it
how’s that for a tribute?
let’s make a few applications as we close
APPLICATION NUMBER ONE: LET’S GIVE PROPER HONOR TO THE WOMEN IN OUR LIVES
surely the first application is that we should be recognizing women as equal partners in God’s grace, and expressing our appreciation to them
(Proverbs 31:31) Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
let’s give women their due and show our appreciation to them for their roles
not just in the home, but in our communities and in their careers
have you done this today?
if your mother is still alive, have you thanked her and praised her today?
if you have a wife, have you told her how much you appreciate her?
APPLICATION NUMBER TWO: LET’S STRIVE TO APPLY WHAT THESE WOMEN HAVE TAUGHT US
let’s consider their example and imitate them if they have been good examples
let’s learn from the woman of Proverbs 31 and try to emulate her
she is respected by her family and community, a success in her career, and she is spiritually sound
how are you and your family? could you learn anything from the woman in Proverbs 31?
how is your impact in the community?
how is your spiritual life? do you know God and fear him like the woman in Proverbs 31?
APPLICATION NUMBER THREE, LET’S LOOK AT OUR LIFE’S BOTTOM LINE
one of the things we’re told to do is to imagine what we want people to say about us at our funeral, and then try to live a life that earns the eulogies we desire
women couldn’t do badly to try to live the life of Proverbs 31
as we see Proverbs 31, we think of the bottom line of our lives
not just success in a career or community or home, but balance and success and respect
when all is said and done, this woman is commendable not for her charm or beauty, but because, according to verse 30, she fears the Lord
we live in a day in which physical appearance counts for everything
yet in this passage her appearance is never mentioned
her strength comes entirely from her character
women, we applaud you
and most of all we applaud those of you who are following Christ, and who have the wisdom that comes from following him
we applaud your strong character, your great wisdom, your many skills, and great compassion
because really, the only way you can exemplify the characteristics mentioned in this passage is to be a follower of Jesus Christ
(Proverbs 31:30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Darryl Dash

I'm a grateful husband, father, oupa, and pastor of Grace Fellowship Church Don Mills. I love learning, writing, and encouraging. I'm on a lifelong quest to become a humble, gracious old man.

Toronto, Canada

Darryl Dash

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