Proverbs is a great book for sons to read because a whole bunch of it addresses them directly. In fact, if you give it a quick look through, you’ll see many instances of paragraphs beginning with things like “My son, listen up!” Here are just a few samples:
(1:8) “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”
(2:1) “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you…”
(3:1) “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands…”
(6:20) “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”
Sons can sometimes forget that Mom is to be honored and obeyed just as much as Dad is to be honored and obeyed. And mothers can sometimes forget that fact themselves. God has given mothers authority over their sons as well as their daughters. They must learn to wield that authority in a godly way, not molly-coddling sons and not being dictatorial over their sons. Sons are to be brought up wearing Mom’s law like an ornament around their necks. A mom who honors and respects her son by teaching him wisdom will gain a son who will some day be teaching her wisdom himself. A mother who lays down the law is a huge blessing to a son, especially if the law is God’s and not something she has made up to suit herself.
Mom’s law should include some of these gems: Stay away from sinners who are trying to entice you to do stupid things (1:10). Keep your eye on wisdom (3:21). Pay attention to what I am saying (4:20; 5:1). Stay away from loose women (7:5). (And these are just a handful from the opening chapters.)
In order for mothers to instruct their sons and daughters wisely, they have to be reading Proverbs and doing Proverbs themselves. We have a treasure trove of wisdom in this book. Open it up for yourself and welcome your children into it.
The famous chapter 31 on the virtuous woman begins with “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him.” King Lemuel’s mother taught him what to look for in a wife. And who better to do it?
Mothers should not abdicate when it comes to teaching their sons. Just because he is taller than you does not mean he doesn’t still need your instruction. Lay down the law like King Lemuel’s mom did. She taught him what’s what. And she must have been a Proverbs 31 woman herself because, as the saying goes, it takes one to know one.
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Thank you, again, Nancy! Just the encouragement I needed to get busy on my book of ‘Mom’s Little Tidbits of Wisdom’ for my nearly grown son. He’d asked me to write out some of the ideas and thoughts I’ve talked about with him. I’ve had it in the works and been jotting notes for some time, but not gotten it in ‘sharable’ form. Your post reminded me that though it’s not urgent, it’s terribly important to complete. Thank you!
And I look forward to reading your daily posts. They are often used by God to encourage or admonish me, or give me something to share with those around me.
Nancy, I am kind of amazed at the timing of this particular post! Praise God! Just yesterday I was talking with another mother about our teen sons. I gave her the address for Femina, telling her I thought she would be very encouraged by the devotions you all have been blessing us with this year. I’m sure this one will be especially meaningful for her.. as it to me.
Biblical parenting advice is inspiring and helpful no matter the age of your kids – even (and sometimes especially) when they are no longer little ones, but young men and ladies. Although my 17 and 15 year old are capable of making wise and responsible decisions, they still need and desire the love, physical affection, and wisdom that my husband and I give them. The reminders you all have given regarding listening to them, admonishing them, respecting them, and taking time for them bear repeating, no matter how many times they’ve been said before.
Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
I have a question for you. In reference to- “Sons are to be brought up wearing Mom’s law like an ornament around their necks.”
That passage struck me when I read it. My first assumption was that this means he ought to be proud of the law his mother gave him, much like King Lemuel was, shown by his repeating of it.
But, because I am not sure of that I wanted to ask.
This was very encouraging for me as a mother of three busy little boys (and their wonderful big sister). Since reading this post at the beginning of the month I’ve been trying to read a chapter of proverbs each day. I’ve been able to look at them with different eyes, thinking about how the proverbs can be so important to hide in their little hearts, and mine as well. Thanks again!