“Do not forsake the law of your mother”
Proverbs 6:20
Usually a mother has more influence upon the life of her child than anyone else. That is because it is the mother who is most involved with the early care and training of a child. That early training is critical. Scripture bears that out when it says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
Since the mother’s task is so important, the Lord has given her strong support by insisting that she be honored and heeded. The Fourth Commandment requires that she be honored along with the father. And the proverb counsels: “Do not forsake the law of your mother.”
But the “law of the mother” is not to be of her personal design or that of others. Many mothers (as well as fathers) have been taken “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Col. 2:8/NIV). That is a continuing disaster.
We look about us in the world and see the results of children being misguided by parents and others. That is not new. Luther complained about it: “One fool rears another; as they have lived, so will their children live after them.” (Large Catechism).
God’s Word is The Key!
The world has produced many philosophies by which people try to lead their lives and to train their children. They wish to free themselves to do as they please. They want no absolutes — no hard and fast rules. they practice situation ethics — doing what they think best at the moment.
They can always find some excuse for what they do, or else someone to blame. Then there is no guilt, no repentance — and no help for the individual’s greatest problem, sin. Leading children in the world’s way is leading them to an eternal dead end.
When God tells us to “train up a child,” it is to be “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). It begins with baptism. Then, at an early age, Bible stories with pictures can be used. Sunday School, the Catechism, and confirmation class follow. And all the while there is the example set by the God-fearing mother and father in church attendance and in daily life.
When “the law of the mother” is drawn from God’s Word, the child does well to heed and not forsake. Then the mother is training the child, not only for this life, but more importantly, for the life eternal.
The proverb declares: “A woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Prov. 6:20). When the woman is also a mother, she should be especially praised — for her faith and for her example to her family.
May all of our mothers be thus praiseworthy. And may we all give them the praise and honor that God would have us give them.
— Pastor Keith Olmanson