Thoughts of Mothers

The day at church started with an acknowledgement of the mothers and mothers-to-be and giving notice that they are all appreciated.

Then the preacher went into his sermon, which was based on Proverbs 3, verses 1 through 12. He explained that it is made up of a series of couplets, with every two verses being a different one. There was more to Proverbs 3 that hit me today, as words came to mean something to me, even though the author of Proverbs likely meant otherwise.

Let me start with the couplets so that you, the reader, will have a clue as to where this post is going. I won’t comment much on each couplet and its possible meanings, as they aren’t really the focus of my thoughts. I will separate each couple with an extra line “space.” So now, from Proverbs 3:

My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:

² For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee.

 

³ Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:

⁴ So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

 

⁵ Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

 

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:

⁸ It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.

 

⁹ Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:

¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.

 

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof:

¹² For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

 

Each of the couplets are a message of sorts from or about God, each of which seems to give a message of morality, and they give an example of His love for us, His creation.

However, being the ever inquisitive person and not wanting to stop with verse 12, I read on to find words that had another meaning for me. That is what I want to share on this day. Now, from Proverbs 3: 13 through 18, which I will now likely really take it out of the true context of the author.

¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

¹⁴ For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.

¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.

¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

The first two verses of that part (13 and 14) speak of something of great value, as wisdom and understanding are just that valuable, because who are we if we are not known as wise and understanding?

Then, beginning in verse 15, a personhood is brought into play as the pronouns “she” and “her” are brought into play, which was the sense that struck me as I read the words. Are we as children, and husbands, blessed with the finding of someone wise and understanding who is known as our mothers? Are they not a valuable resource to us, especially with the thought of their attempts and success in offering us lessons of understanding and love?

Our mother’s greatest desires might very well have been those that their children would heed the words of wisdom, understanding, and love. Have they not given us “riches and honor?” Are not their ways those of pleasantness and peace? Of course, they are the “tree” which gives us life, just as God gave life to us all.

As God bestowed the blessing of the couplets in the first 12 verses, our mothers have continued those blessings in the way they taught us and gave us an example.

So, to all of you who are mothers or mothers-to-be, you are blessed in that God is allowing you to further extend his message to your children and husbands.

God bless you all and Happy Mother’s Day. You well deserve the honor that we are so lacking in being able to express to you. May it be that your families will honor you and you receive great pleasure in their expressions of love and honor. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made and the love you bestowed upon us.