Proverbs 31:1-2

The words of King Lemuel.

An oracle that his mother taught him:
What are you doing, my son?
What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?

The book of Proverbs started with wise words from a Father to his son and now concludes with the godly wisdom of a mother to her son. These are two unique messengers with a similar message.

A godly mother is hard NOT to listen to. She has a special relationship biologically, emotionally, and spiritually that in a real sense gives her the right to call out her son. A mother’s heart of integrity, compassion and truth are just what every son needs. The cry of this mother, “What are you doing, my son?” is an aching cry of disappointment, not primarily anger. She knows him well and also knows the danger and destruction of the ways of the world. This is a voice every son of a godly mother should cherish and want to listen to.

Granted, no parent is perfect, so we have to be realistic when it comes to our earthly parents but not with our Father in heaven. He is the perfect parent. He has brought us into existence and has made a covenant with us through his only son. This perfect parent has called us by name, adopted us as his own, and forgiven us by putting to death his own perfect son. He has every right to call us back from sin because he loves us. Some of the most painful yet wonderful words we can hear from our tender Father are, “My child, what are you doing?”

Yes, listen to your mother, but a godly mother will always call her children to listen first to their heavenly Father.

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Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Jerry McFarland. © 2024 Tenth Presbyterian Church. Website: tenth.org