Proverbs 10:27 – “The fear [moral reverence] of the LORD [reverential fear and worship] prolongeth [increases; adds] days: but the years of the wicked [ungodly; immoral] shall be shortened [curtailed; grieved; vexed].”

The precious, inestimable value of life is beyond words; sadly, we are too often preoccupied with the moment and allow days, weeks, months and years to pass with too little gratitude to both the giver of life and she who gave us life.

I am blessed to have had two loving mothers these many years and rejoice God has blessed both with long life, good health and the bounty of His loving grace.  My wife and I are indebted to our mothers for instilling in us the love and “fear of the Lord” that has guided our lives and paths together.  Unlike those poor souls who were cut off too early in their youth after taking the path of the wicked (10:27b), our mothers guided our steps in the way where we have known the Lord’s grace and mercy.   We are blessed because they shaped our character when we were young and prayed our hearts would remain tender.

With the words of a king who extolled the virtues of his mother, I close this brief tribute to our mothers and all mothers who directed their children to “fear the Lord”:

Proverbs 31:28-31 – “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. ³⁰  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith