Mothers who are often neglected and not acknowledged for the work they do need to be esteemed and hounored. Foremost, mothers who fear the Lord are to be praised. According to King Solomon, these mothers are full of wisdom because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Mothers are a great influence to the family. It is often said that behind the success of a man is a woman. In the same manner, behind the success of a child is a caring and loving mother. The influence of a mother over her child starts from conception. Even the food that the mother eats will affect her baby in the womb, not only physically, but spiritually. This was made clear by the angel of the Lord when he gave instructions to the mother of Samson. He said, “You will conceive and give birth to a son. Now then, drink no wine or other fermented drink and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite of God from birth until the day of his death’” (Judges 13:7). Even after giving birth, the mother will continue to be a strong influence to her children, for their good.
Mothers who fear the Lord are true builders. Again, King Solomon said, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Prov. 14:1). It is amazing to see how mothers who are widowed early in life are able, with their own hands, to build their family. Since they desire to see their children succeed in life, they work hard to send their children to school and have them graduate, expecting no payback from them. These mothers are willing to sacrifice and give all that they have to their children, all for love’s sake. Mothers also are quick to step up to the plate when the family is in danger. This was demonstrated by Abigail. When David was on his way to destroy her family because of the foolish act of Nabal, her husband, Abigail lost no time and hurried to meet David to make peace with him. She did not care how much it would cost her and the danger she was about to face. All that mattered to her was the safety, protection and preservation of her family. This same attitude is displayed by many mothers even today because of their sheer love for their family.
As for the mother that gives her best to serve her family, the Book of Proverbs says, “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Prov. 31:31). Indeed, mothers deserve to be paid back for the good they have done to their family. For the children, there is no better way to reward their mothers than to choose to be wise. King Solomon said, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother” (Prov. 10:1). Mothers experience special joy when they see their children succeed in their chosen vocation. They feel vindicated for all of the efforts and sacrifices they have given to prepare their children for the future. However, when their children choose to be fools, they will surely cause them untold sufferings. The mothers will feel that all their efforts to raise their children have been in vain.
For the children, it is not enough that they succeed in life so as to bring joy to their mothers. They also need to go the extra mile of expressing their love and respect for their mothers through their actions at home. A simple, yet powerful, way to bring joy to their mothers is to give them a kiss and a hug from time to time. This will cause their moms to feel loved and appreciated. Sadly, many children, as they grow older, forget this simple step of expressing love to their own mom. When they were younger, it was almost automatic for them to kiss their mom when they needed something. But as time passes and they become less dependent on their mother, many of the children withdraw their affection. They even try to shy away from their mom, because their mom is no longer as helpful as before. As a warning to these children, the apostle Paul said, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Gal. 6:7). Those who despise and disrespect their mother now should not be surprised when their own children in the future will do exactly as they are doing to their mother now.
Mothers deserve their reward for being good mothers to their children and not because of their beauty and charm. In Proverbs 31:30, we are told, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised”. Let us praise the Lord for our mothers. Let us give them the reward due them—our love and respect. We certainly cannot repay them for what they have done to us, but we can give them exceeding joy because we choose to be wise. Yes, let us give our mom the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise. Hallelujah!
