According to Proverbs, mothers are to lay down the law, particularly to their sons. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck” (Prov. 1:8-9).

Mothers sometimes think that Dad is the one with all the authority around the house, particularly when it comes to dealing with the boys. But this is just false. God has established the authority of both parents in the home. Sons are to be well acquainted with the law of their mothers, and this is a good thing.  In fact, God tells the sons that this instruction and law are like a crown and a necklace.

Mothers need to establish their authority over their children when they are little (particularly the boys), but that includes bringing them up by means of godly instruction, not just by use of raw authority.  Children must obey both parents, and both parents must exercise their authority with wisdom and humility, knowing that they answer to God for how they are bringing up their children.

A mother who refuses to give instruction and correction not only damages the child, but also guarantees her own sorrow. “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15). “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (Prov. 10:1).

Mothers have countless opportunities to shape, mold, teach, admonish, correct, and instruct their children in wisdom. Many things get in the way; many things clamor to distract mothers away from this their central task. But a wise mother will keep her eye on her duty and work hard at this important business of training up the next generation. A son who is indulged will grow up to be a shame and a heaviness. A son who grows up with a heavy hand will be embittered and rebellious. But a son who receives instruction with patience and love will be wise.

“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee, when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman” (Prov. 6:20-24).

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