A Sermon Manuscript
Read: Proverbs 10
Mother’s Day is a special occasion where we take time to acknowledge the one who has spent a lifetime sacrificing for us. While it is not a religious holiday, we are reminded to give honor to whom honor is due, and there is no one more worthy of honor in our life than a godly mother.
I may have followed my father into ministry, but it was my mom who would have me rehearse my sermons for her and coach me when I first started preaching. She had a tremendous influence on my life. I remember watching her paint, sew, or cook like it was an instructional video on television. I have no doubt that I developed a love for cooking from being by her side so many times when she was preparing dinner for our family.
The majority of our formative years have been spent in the company and instruction of our mothers. Therefore it is appropriate that we take some time to honor them and acknowledge their commitment to us.
The Book of Proverbs is based on the ideal. Doing what is right does not always lead to success, and, consequently, not everyone who suffers is a fool. But the wisdom of this book, understood properly, can give us some insight into the beauty of God’s intended design in creation. Although mothers want the best for us, they are not perfect. They sacrifice much and are worthy of our praise, but they have also hurt us in ways that are too sensitive to discuss. By holding out the ideal mother, we are not ignoring the fact that there are exceptions, but we are acknowledging the wisdom that is gained through a loving mother’s parenting. Let us all rise up and call them blessed.
If Momma Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy
“1 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”
Solomon admired his mother and he sought to pass that same affection on to his children. As He begins the section of proverbial wisdom in chapter 10, he once again reminds us that this letter is not just coming down from the head of the household, but the heart as well. Who wants to hear that their mother is saddened over them? That is why this incentive is so strong.
There have been a few occasions in my life when my father pulled me aside to inform me that I had done something to offend my mother. They stand out to me because of how unusual the encounters were. First, whatever I had done must have been serious for my dad to have a serious talk with me, but more importantly, it must have been bad enough that my mom couldn’t bring herself to tell me on her own. Knowing that I had hurt my mother was the worst feeling in the world. Nobody wants to be a disappointment to their mother.
Looking at the rest of this chapter can give us an insight into what a mother longs for in her children. She has spent countless hours dreaming of what her children will be like when they are grown, and many sleepless nights toiling in prayer when her children struggle.
A Mother’s Desire for Her Children
“2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
“15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin.
“22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.”
A mother wants her children to be prosperous, but not without honor. Can you imagine buying your mother a house with ill-gotten gain? An honest mother would rather live on the streets than accept such a gift. She wants us to succeed often more than we want it for ourselves. She sees our potential and motivates us to aspire for greater things.
“4 A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
A mother must have been the one to coin the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts,” because only a mother could appreciate the hand crafted gifts given to her throughout the years. She recognizes the effort put into something and rewards it because she doesn’t want to cultivate a lazy spirit. How many times have we been told to get off the couch and go do something productive. A mother understands the value of hard work.
“6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
There are so many things we learn from our mothers. A mother’s instruction includes edicate, empathy, and expression. How many times have we been told to stop talking with food in our mouths, share our toys, or tell someone, “Thank you”? She is shaping our soul by her vigilant instruction.
“10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,
and a babbling fool will come to ruin.”
A mother’s opinion of her children is unrivaled, but that does not mean that she is blind to their wayward heart. Her discipline is always with the loving intention of rooting out their foolish predisposition.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”
As sweet as a mother is, she can turn fierce when those she loves are being threatened. It is the mother bear who is more dangerous than the father when something gets between her and her cubs. A mother’s wrath is fierce and it burns hot against the wicked.
“12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.”
A mother’s love demonstrates our worth and teaches us how to love others. Her heart aches when her children don’t get along. Yet, no matter how much we have hurt her, she will always be there to embrace us in her arms. She is a picture of mercy and grace.
“13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
“17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.”
She always reminded us to wash our hands, but soap had another meaning for any of us who were ever caught saying something that offended her ears. She has taught us the power of words and that it is not always what we say, but how we say it.
“23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”
My mother’s laugh can fill a room, but she doesn’t find anything funny about foolishness. I remember watching comedies with my mom and being moved more by her infectious laughter than the jokes on the screen. But if the humor were inappropriate, my mom would never hesitate to turn it off.
“24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to those who send him.”
A mother never wants to see her children struggle. It is especially difficult when the suffering is caused by a rebellious heart. I have counselled many weeping mothers with this reminder: we would never wish the storms of life on those we love, but our heavenly Father who loves them more than a mother ever could, would allow those storms to draw them back into the safety of His arms. Still, a mother could never be at peace while her children are suffering.
“27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,
but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.”
With all of the concerns weighing on a mother’s heart, none are more important than the importance of teaching her children to fear the LORD. As much as she wants her children to be happy, it is not enough if Jesus is not the source of their joy. She has toiled tirelessly to discipline her children toward righteousness because she knows what matters most.
We must be cautious in mentioning that not every mother has taught her children to fear the LORD, but even if someone grew up in a non-Christian home, there is still much to learn from the example of their mother. God’s work of grace uses imperfect paradigms to point us to our perfect paragon in Christ. The Proverbs speak in generalities that are not always true in order to convey certain truths that are undiminished. Those who fear the LORD will be blessed, children who honor their parents will find grace, and mothers who put their hope in Christ will leave an indelible mark on the lives of their children.
Adam Miller is the president and host of Songtime Radio and serves as the pastor of South Chatham Community Church. This article is a condensed version of one of his sermons.