EXPLORE THE BIBLE, TEACHING PLANS
VOLUME 9, SESSION 11
Your goal this week is to help adults identify reasons godly mothers are to be treasured and specify ways
they will show they treasure mothers.
1. Get Started
• Q: What is the most common building material for the houses in your neighborhood? What is your house
made of? What is the difference between building a house and building a home? Say: While houses can be
built out of wood, bricks, or siding, homes are built upon relationships. Discuss how strong relationships can
lead to strong homes.
• Direct attention to Poster: Unit 2 (Pack Item 7) and highlight the title and focal passages for this lesson. Share
that in honor of Mother’s Day, this final lesson in the Book of Proverbs will help learners examine how godly
women—including mothers—have made a positive impact on their lives. Note that the focal passages will also
challenge every learner, male or female, to incorporate the qualities of the “virtuous woman” as a part of their
lives. Challenge learners to hear what God says to them about personal godliness and about showing
appreciation to the women who have displayed godliness through the years.
• Instruct learners to match the television moms on Poster: Television Moms (Pack Item 17) with the shows on
which they appeared. Encourage learners to share which of these moms was their favorite and why. Discuss
how the image of motherhood in the media has changed over time. Q: What images of mothers could be drawn
from these characters? What were their strengths and weaknesses? How did those qualities affect their TV
families? Record thoughts about each mom on the poster by her name. (Note: Throughout this lesson, be
sensitive to learners who did not have positive relationships with their mothers. Also, recognize that some
learners may have lost their mothers and are dealing with their first Mother’s Day without a mom.)
2. Get Into the Word
For Their Diligence (Proverbs 31:10-19)
• Write the word “diligent” on the markerboard. Encourage learners to suggest synonyms for the word. Share the
following definition from the Merriam-Webster electronic dictionary: “characterized by steady, earnest, and
energetic effort.” Q: How do godly moms display diligence? Discuss responses.
• Call for a volunteer to read aloud Proverbs 31:10-19. Use information from pages 116-117 to explain the
context of Proverbs 31. Call for a volunteer to read aloud the information for verse 10 in the Personal Study
Guide (PSG) (p. 94). Q: How do you see diligence displayed by the virtuous woman in these verses? How
would we describe her actions in contemporary terms? Point out that while no one is perfect, godly women can
have a tremendous influence on their friends and families. Emphasize that diligence is a great quality for any
believer to nurture. Challenge learners to consider how they can display diligence each day and express
appreciation to mothers other women who have demonstrated diligence.
For Their Compassion (Proverbs 31:20)
• Encourage learners to stretch their right arm straight out. Q: Approximately how many inches are between the
tip of your fingers and your heart? Discuss responses. Use a tape measure to determine which learner has the
longest arm. Encourage a learner to read the first paragraph under “For Their Compassion” on pages 95-96 of
the PSG. Call for a volunteer to read aloud Proverbs 31:20. Discuss the connection between one’s heart and
one’s hands in ministering to others and demonstrating compassion.
• Q: How does this verse communicate a demonstration of compassion? To whom did the woman extend her
hands? What distracts you from extending your hands more readily? Note that the woman obviously was busy
based on verses 10-19, but she still found time to meet the needs of those around her.
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• Discuss the story of Cleo on page 96 in the PSG. Encourage learners to examine their own hearts and to
determine how they can do a better job of reaching out and showing godly compassion to those in need.
For Their Dedication to Family (Proverbs 31:21-29)
• Q: What is the best piece of advice you ever received from your mother? How has it affected your life? Read
aloud the first paragraph for this section on page xx to highlight the various roles many mothers have to fill.
Note that whether mothers stay at home or work outside the home, they are called to invest a lot into the lives of
their family members.
• Call for a volunteer to read aloud Proverbs 31:21-29. Q: How did the woman in these verses invest in the
lives of her family members? What are some ways her husband and children might have blessed her beyond
her words? How can you be a blessing to others by loving your family members in a way that honors God?
Challenge learners to determine ways they can show their dedication to their families and to honor those who
have modeled that lifestyle for them. Discuss the response question in the PSG (p. 98).
For Their Devotion to the Lord (Proverbs 31:30-31)
• Display a mirror and discuss why we use mirrors. Q: What happens when we see something that isn’t quite
right? How do we fix what is on the outside?
• Read aloud Proverbs 31:30-31. Encourage learners to listen for the qualities reflected by the virtuous woman.
Note the writer of Proverbs 31 never told us what the woman looked like physically; instead, the writer
emphasized her character and her inward qualities.
• Q: Why is inward beauty more important than external beauty? How can we develop that kind of beauty in
our lives? Affirm that while there is nothing wrong with trying to look our best, internal beauty is the result of a
strong relationship with God. Point out that many external things can be faked, but genuine beauty —for men
and women—rests in a genuine devotion to the Lord and His way of doing things. Challenge learners to pursue
that type of devotion and inward beauty.
3. Get to the Point
• Q: How does society generally view women? Why? Based on this lesson, how would you describe the
Bible’s attitude toward women? Discuss responses, affirming Scripture’s high view of women.
• What are some of the key lessons that can be drawn from this lesson? Record responses on the markerboard.
Emphasize again how these truths can be applied to both genders. Challenge learners to identify ways they can
integrate genuine godliness into their lives and express appreciation to women who have modeled true
godliness. Review the moms on Poster: Television Moms (Pack Item 17) and identify any who modeled
Proverbs 31 characteristics. Close in prayer.
For further discussion
• From the Personal Study Guide (PSG): For a believer, how are the characteristics of paid work and
volunteer work similar? Different? (Prov. 31:10-19)
• What gifts and talents are displayed by the Proverbs 31 woman? What gifts and talents has God given
you? How are you using them? (Prov. 31:10-19)
• Why could the virtuous woman laugh (v. 25)? When have you felt that kind of security? What is
keeping you from experiencing that kind of security? (Prov. 31:21-29)
• How did the Proverbs 31 woman balance a fear of the Lord and her own hard work? What are the
applications for your life? (Prov. 31:30-31)
© 2013 LifeWay. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without the express written consent of
LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 27234.
GET STARTED or DEPARTMENT Idea
Show the video clip “Normal Is Overrated” available from WingClips.com at: http://www.wingclips.com/movieclips/soul-surfer/normal-is-overrated. Discuss the power of a godly mother, even as displayed in this very
difficult situation for a mother to face. Q: What strikes you most in this video clip? What else do you know
about the story of Bethany Hamilton and the godly faith of her mother? Share that this lesson focuses on the
impact of godly women, including godly mothers.
Hymn—“God, Give Us Christian Homes” especially stanza #3 (Hymn 653, The Baptist Hymnal, 2008).
Available for purchase at lifewayworship.com/ETB.
GET INTO THE WORD Idea
To add to the discussion of Proverbs 31:10-19, divide a large sheet of paper into two columns labeled: “Stay at
Home Mom” and “Working Mom.” Lead learners to suggest ways each kind of mother displays diligence in their
lives. Emphasize that every mother holds value for a family—whether she works in the home or outside the home.
GET INTO THE WORD Idea
To add to the discussion of Proverbs 31:30-31, do some online research to gather statistics on the sale of
cosmetics or the number of plastic surgeries in the United States. Use this information to facilitate a discussion
about why people are not always satisfied with their outward appearance. Q: How much time and money do
you spend working on your outward appearance? How much time and money do you spend working on your
inner self? Which is more important? Which will last longer? Discuss the importance of pursuing inward
beauty through a genuine devotion to the Lord.
GET TO THE POINT Idea
Write the following quote from Matthew Henry’s commentary on a large sheet of paper: “The woman was made
of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled
upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be
beloved.” Discuss reactions to the quote. Contrast a biblical view of women with what our culture might say
about women. Challenge learners to adopt a biblical view of women (including mothers). Encourage them to
find intentional ways to show their appreciation to godly mothers and other godly women and to develop godly
character in their own lives—regardless of gender.
STAY ON TRACK
Provides food for her household (31:15-16)
The context of the phrase in verses 15-16 indicates that the virtuous woman is not afraid to deal in business—
whatever her business may be. While some may think only men are able to accomplish great things in the
marketplace, believers cannot deny the acumen and common sense of women. This woman knew her business
and worked energetically to succeed. As a result of her hard work, she met the needs of her family (vv. 11-12)
and she showed incredible generosity toward others (v. 20). Whether women work inside the home or outside
the home, their wisdom and work can be a blessing. Q: How have you experienced this biblical example to be
true in your own circle of relationships?
Reflect and Evaluate
In what ways does the value of a virtuous woman exceed the value of precious jewels and treasures?
How can you do a better job of extending your hands to meet the needs of others around you?
© 2013 LifeWay. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without the express written consent of
LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 27234.
Why can family members trust the godly women in their lives?
© 2013 LifeWay. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without the express written consent of
LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 27234.