A Mother Worthy to be Praised

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all" (Proverbs 31:28-29)

Proverbs 31:10-31 tell us of the characteristics of the virtuous woman. She is indeed a woman who is worthy to be praised. Her children call her blessed. Her husband praises her too. How can women today imitate the example of the virtuous woman? Let us examine 17 qualities of the virtuous woman.

1. She is precious (v.10)

The virtuous woman is a precious treasure. She should not be taken for granted! She should be loved and cherished.

2. She is trustworthy (v.11)

The virtuous woman is dependable. Her family need not worry about the household affairs, because she has everything under control.

3. She does good to her husband (v.12)

The virtuous woman loves her husband. She would never do anything to hurt him, but rather, she will shower him with tender loving care.

4. She labours willingly (v.13)

The virtuous woman works without complaint. Her labour for the family comes from a heart of genuine love.

5. She labours diligently (v.14-15, 18-19, 27)

The virtuous woman works hard. She does not sit around idly, but she labours from day to night to ensure the family is well taken care of.

6. She labours wisely (v.16)

The virtuous woman is wise and prudent. She is able to help the household to prosper due to the wise choices that she makes.

7. She makes herself strong (v.17)

The virtuous woman is strong. The household affairs are hard work, but she strengthens herself, knowing the family is depending on her.

8. She is benevolent (v.20)

The virtuous woman is kind and helpful. She looks out for the needy and she extends her hand to help.

9. She is prepared (v.21)

The virtuous woman has the foresight to prepare. The family will be able to handle unexpected adversities because of the preparations that she has made.  

10. She does her best (v.22)

The virtuous woman puts in her best effort in all she does. She is able to give her family the best, because she has done her best.

11. She supports her husband (v.23)

The virtuous woman is a supportive wife. Her husband is able to succeed because of her loving support and encouragement.

12. She is honorable (v.25)

The virtuous woman is an honorable woman. Because of her exemplary conduct, no one has any reason to despise her.

13. She speaks wise and kind words (v.26)

The virtuous woman speaks well. She does not speak foolishly, but her words are filled with wisdom and value. She does not speak rudely, but her words are kind and uplifting.

14. She manages the household (v.27)

The virtuous woman takes care of the home. The home is hard work, but she fulfils her God-given responsibility by managing the household affairs.

15. She is praiseworthy (v.28, 31)

The virtuous woman is worthy of praise. Because of what she does for the family, her husband and children will praise her. The works that she does prove she is praiseworthy.

16. She is virtuous (v.29)

The virtuous woman is full of virtue and strength. She may not be a warrior on the battlefield, but she demonstrates her virtue by what she does at home.

17. She fears the Lord (v.30)

The virtuous woman is, most importantly, a God-fearing woman. Indeed, beauty and charm are vain, but a woman who puts God first in her life shall be praised.

On this Mother's Day, we thank God and give praise for mothers who imitate the example of the virtuous woman! Indeed, godly women play such an important role in managing the home and raising godly children. May all women learn and imitate from the example of the virtuous woman.