If you have been around our church any length of time, you may have noticed we like the old fashioned ways.
In fact, the bible tells us that the old ways are the blessed ways, when those ways are found in the scriptures.
Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV)
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
One of the old fashioned ways is the old fashioned way of being a mom.
There is a great tragedy taking place in our land today; this tragedy is nothing new it has been taking place for the last 50 or 60 years.
The tragedy is the modern day woman forsaking her role as a mother.
Motherhood has become distasteful, despised, inconvenience or something that gets in the way of career, ambition and self-interests.
This morning we are going to see from the bible the old fashioned way of motherhood.
I am talking about when a woman centers her life on the raising of her children, instead of giving her children over to someone else to raise.
Every Christian mother should know the following passage and desire fulfill it.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV)
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
From this passage we are going to see the worth, works, wisdom, witness and worship of this virtuous woman.
Her Worth
Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
This virtuous woman is not a normal, everyday type of woman; the bible says “who can find one?”
This word virtuous speaks strength and/or moral courage.
This woman has the strength to do what is right even when things work against her.
We saw the meaning of this throughout the text.
The bible says who can find this woman?
Let us observe our culture, what does prime time Television offer, what about popular music and what about the movies?
Who can find a virtuous woman?
What kind of books, tv shows, movies and music can put before the eyes of our daughters that exemplify a virtuous woman.
Who can find one?
I know a book, it is called the bible and it is THE WORD OF GOD.
I also know some women; women found in the bible, women like Sarah.
1 Peter 3:1-6 (KJV)
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
Women like Eunice and Lois
2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (KJV)
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
I thank of Elisabeth.
Luke 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
This book is full of examples, but also every now and then we will meet one of these ladies, a wife and a mother who stands above the status quo, a woman found in church, whether she is with or without a husband serving the LORD, sacrificing her wants and wishes for the bettering of her household.
What am I talking about; I am talking about Old fashioned motherhood.
The bible also tells us the value of a woman like this, the value is far above rubies.
No quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth, her value is far above any material worth.
Her works
Good works should naturally flow from any born again Christian.
What about this virtuous woman?
What kind of works should flow from the Christian mom?
Works Concerning the family
Proverbs 31:15 (KJV)
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
This means she gets up early in the morning.
This means her priority and her drive is for the provisions of her family.
I imagine there is a lot of planning and order that goes into the day to day routine of this woman.
What happened to the Old Fashioned Mom who raises before her husband and children?
Are there moms doing this anymore?
I have seen and heard many times of the older generation of mothers who cannot relate to a mother of today who sleeps there entire morning away.
There are all kinds of circumstances that arise in the day to day routine of a mother that keeps her from her call and purpose.
What about the virtuous woman?
Surely circumstances prevent the virtuous woman from her call and duty every now and then.
Proverbs 31:21 (KJV)
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Snow does not hinder her, snow is not a time off, and snow is not a time hibernation.
The bible says she fears it not for the sake of the household.
Her household is clothed with scarlet, which speaks of the type of clothing worn in the winter.
Her family does not lack because it is winter.
Proverbs 31:27 (KJV)
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her interest is in the welfare of her household, so much so she is never found idle.
Now we live in a different day and age then when this was written.
There are sooo many things that can keep us idle, we have tv, we have the phone, we have fb, we have frontierville, we have texting and we could go on and on.
Here in the New Testament it tells us WHAT we are to teach the younger woman in the church.
It also tells us why, God does not want younger women idle.
How foreign this is in our culture today.
1 Timothy 5:11-15 (KJV)
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Image what would happen if we got back to the bible on this one.
God’s design for the traditional family was good 6,000 years ago and it is good today.
We reaping the horrible benefits of young people putting off marriage, young people recycling partners, young people having NO desire for God’s design for family, young people having children outside of wedlock and young people giving their children over to daycare.
What am I talking about; I am talking about Old fashioned motherhood.
Works Concerning finances
Again her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:11 (KJV)
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
How many husbands can safely trust their wives with the finances of the household?
Financial problems are greatest cause of divorce.
To what extent does he trust her?
The bible further says…
Proverbs 31:13-14 (KJV)
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She works with her hands and travels afar for the better of the family.
Proverbs 31:16 (KJV)
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:24 (KJV)
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Her wisdom
We are also talking about a woman of wisdom.
Proverbs 31:26 (KJV)
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Where does wisdom come from?
Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Wisdom comes from the words of God and there is a great reward that comes from knowing the wisdom that comes from God.
Proverbs 2:7-12 (KJV)
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
Attaining this wisdom does not come from just casually reading the word of God.
Proverbs 2:3-5 (KJV)
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
The virtuous woman is in the word of God, seeking after the knowledge of God and she is ready to offer the wisdom of God to her family.
Her witness
There is a witness to the virtuous woman.
The witness is found in her husband and her children.
Her witness in her Husband
They say behind every good man is a good woman.
In other words we could look at most any great historical figure be it spiritual or national and find a lesser known woman.
Proverbs 31:23 (KJV)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
This passage is not about her husband, but the bible says he is known in the gates, what does this mean?
The bible does not say she is known in the gates but, that her husband is known in the gates.
She was truly a help meet or a help that completes the man.
Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
The first woman was created to complete Adam, what about now?
1 Corinthians 11:8-9 (KJV)
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
The woman was created for the man, to complete the man.
A man married to woman who goes her own way, who is rebellious, or who has no interest in completing her husband, cannot be all he can be for his children, for his employer, for his profession or more importantly for the LORD.
1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (KJV)
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
The bible says in the LORD the husband and the wife are in separable.
The fact that this man was known in the gates was a witness to him having a virtuous wife.
The negative effects are tragic on the children, when a wife rebels against her husband, when the husband and wife live separate lives from each other or worse yet, when parents’ divorce.
Her witness in her children
Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Her children are thankful; her children reward her sacrifice with praise.
Moms have a great task in their call and duty of motherhood.
Most often children are not grateful when mom makes them do things that they do not like such as eating healthy, taking medicine, keeping a clean room, brushing teeth, doing school, discipline bad behavior and on and on we could go.
When children grow up like this, they will be thankful and they will bless their mom.
There are two extremes in the bible of motherhood, the first one we just read and here is the other…
Proverbs 29:15 (KJV)
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Your grown children will shame you or they will praise you or something in between.
Her worship
At the center of the virtuous woman’s life is the LORD, it is not found in chasing after the favor of the world and it is not found in beauty.
Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Our favour on women is superficial when, we favor woman for how they sing, books they write, records they set and things they accomplish.
The favor of women is deceitful.
We need some women who will not chase after the favor of the world, women who have more interest in pleasing the Lord instead of the world.
The bible also speaks of beauty.
Beauty is vain, a lot of woman attain wealth and fame for their beauty.
Women are deceived into believing this lie that happiness is found in a certain weight, certain make up or a certain dress appeal, these things are vain.
In contrast, a woman that fears God is to be praised.
We are talking about a woman who has forgiveness of sins, a woman who knows the LORD, a woman who walks with the LORD, a woman who prays to the LORD, a woman who reads the LORD’s words and a woman in love with LORD’S people by belonging to a church.
Our culture praises the wrong kind of woman.
Proverbs 31:31 (KJV)
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
BLESS your mother today for the works of her hands and let the work she put into you praise her in the gates, by your actions.
Woman you could also BLESS a mother with children in her home, by encouraging her, praying for her and imparting to her wisdom from the word of GOD.
At the center of the breakdown of our culture is the breakdown of the family, it is a shame that this kind passage, this kind of preaching is old fashioned.
- Sermon by Jason LaPat jasonlapat@yahoo.com
- May 8 2011
- Outline was borrowed from...
- WILLMINGTON’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE KNOWLEDGE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEYby Harold L. WillmingtonTYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC.Wheaton, Illinois
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