**Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all ** Proverbs 31:29
Going back to verse one of Solomon’s last Proverb, we are reminded that he wrote this last chapter in dedication to the things that his mother, Bathsheba, taught him. For these past couple of weeks, we have looked at each one and considered it’s importance in Solomon’s and Bathsheba’s lives.
Bathsheba, as she learned how to overcome difficult and heartbreaking circumstances and then passed her lessons on to her son, the heir to David’s throne, many of her thoughts, reflections and observations.
And we have seen clearly Solomon’s reflections on what he remembers and maybe regrets of not heeding these lessons. The Book of Ecclesiastes also gives us insight into Solomon’s regrets over his life choices.
So, here in this chapter and particularly in these last verses, we see Solomon’s praise and respect of his mother.
Many have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all….
Many…there is not just one virtuous woman in history or in today’s world. There are many. Many who reflect one or more of these qualities we have studied and many who should be and will be rewarded for their work and for who they are.
Done….She did what she could. ….her work has impacted others…..she gave all that she could ….she left little undone.
Virtuously….strength, moral character, fortitude, honorable, honest, industrious, resourceful…
Excellence….above others, going the extra mile, distinction
Moms, grandmas, aunts, sisters, daughters….all of us can have this same distinction…in one or in several of the P31 traits. It is not necessary to accomplish everything just like she did. But we ought do whatever we do with ** all our might** and with all our heart and soul and mind.
Today’s woman does not have to emulate every detail of the P31 woman in their exact form. We live in a new generation with new resources. In many ways, we can have a farther reach than she was able to have living in one city and in her limited role of one of David’s many wives and without modern technology.
Solomon saw his mother as above all other mothers and all other women. And he knew quite a few. Most of us can say the same about our own mothers, at the end of their days. We remember the good, the effort, the dedication and the sacrifices she faced and overcame so that we could be who we are today.
If you haven’t had the chance to honor your Mother in this way, let her know all that you respect her for. Honor her life and her impact on you and others. Even if she has already gone ahead and you cannot tell her face to face, there are many ways to honor what she invested in you. Your children and grandchildren are a good place to start.