Rise Up and Bless – Proverbs 31:8-9

This sermon was delivered on Mother's Day, May 13, 2012, opening with a brief pastoral statement on same-sex marriage following President Obama's public endorsement. The pastor affirmed that Scripture teaches marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman, while expressing respect for all people including those who are gay, and welcoming them to worship God. He clearly distinguished between the sinner and the sin, emphasizing that all people need God's grace and forgiveness.

The main body of the sermon focuses on Proverbs 31, refuting two common misconceptions about Christianity: that it teaches believers to abandon their parents, and that it demeans women. The pastor explained that Proverbs 31:10-31 is written in a Hebrew acrostic form of 22 verses, each like a pearl, together forming a complete portrait of a virtuous woman. The word translated 'virtuous' or 'capable' in verse 10 carries the meaning of strength, courage, character, and ability, appearing nearly 250 times in the Old Testament to describe inner strength and integrity.

The pastor emphasized that a blessed mother or wife is not defined by material circumstances or momentary emotions, but by her character and faithfulness in her role. He acknowledged that not everyone has an ideal experience of motherhood or an ideal mother, yet Scripture affirms that those who are mothers are blessed. Proverbs 18:22 and 19:14 were cited to remind husbands to thank God and treasure the wife He has given them.

The practical application called husbands and children not to withhold words of praise from their mothers and wives. The pastor pointed out the contradiction of wooing with compliments but criticizing after marriage. He reminded the congregation that a mother's love seasons every meal, and that children learn respect for their mothers from watching their fathers. The image of husbands and children 'rising up to bless' in Proverbs 31:28-29 serves as a concrete call to action for every family.