Words from a Virtuous Mother (Proverbs 31:1)

Sermon on 8 March 2026 by Pastor Gaius

Proverbs 1:7-8

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

Proverbs 31:1-2

The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the FLESH, the lust of the EYES, and the PRIDE of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Desires of the Eyes

Proverbs 31:3

- We must not waste our strength on people who do not deserve it

What did Jesus do to repel these?

Matthew 4:10

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Conclusion : Be faithful/single

Desires of the Flesh

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

How did Jesus answer him?

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

Conclusion : Be with the Holy Spirit

The Pride of Life

Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, Andplead the cause of the poor and needy.

How did Jesus answer him?

Matthew 4:7

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Conclusion : Be submissive

Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, Anddoes not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.