10 Incredible Lessons Mothers Teach without Saying a Word

Mothers might point children to Proverbs 9:10-12, which teaches that wisdom begins with the fear of God, but it’s her lifestyle that illustrates that truth. When a mom fears God — respecting, honoring, and obeying Him — rather than being concerned about what people think, her children will notice. 

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare,” Proverbs 29:25 tells us. “But whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Watch how a woman handles praise to get a glimpse into what’s in her heart. Who is she living for? As she cares for her family, is she careful to do all things to the glory of God? When a woman loves praise from others more than praise from God, her children also learn to value human praise above all else.

That does not mean we should not praise a godly mom. Proverbs 31:30 says, “a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” It’s right to honor moms for the good works they have done as they live for God and care for their families.

Another way a mom teaches reverence is by spending time in the Word of God. As adults tell stories about their childhood, many praise precious mothers who communed with God at the kitchen table or knelt by their bed. Those moms’ examples spoke louder than words.

2. Mothers Teach Faith by Actively Trusting God

What child has not seen their mom sort through monthly bills, pondering how they’ll be paid? Then, to see that same mom bow her head in prayer and lay those bills before her Heavenly Father as evidence of her confidence in Him and His promises — how can that not communicate the importance of actively trusting God?

Moms who live by faith exemplify the truth of Proverbs 3:5-6. It is in trusting and submitting to God, not leaning on human understanding, that we journey through the hurtful and puzzling situations in life. 

In Ruth 1, Naomi is a good example of this. As Naomi grieved the death or her husband and two sons, she also chose to actively trust and follow God. Still heartbroken, she traveled to Bethlehem in obedience to the Lord. Although Ruth was one of Naomi’s daughters-in-law, not a daughter by blood, she observed great spiritual substance in Naomi — the woman’s selflessness, obedience, and faith — and she journeyed with her to Bethlehem.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/tatyana_tomsickova

Imagine the impact when children see their mother reach out to the poor, the destitute, and the unlovely. Proverbs 31:20 describes such a mother: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

Mothers teach their children how to bless and serve others when they themselves serve with compassion, imitating Christ’s humility in valuing, loving, and serving others (Philippians 2:3-5). What a blessing it is for children to observe their mother to do good works in Jesus’ name.

God’s people are to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, and humility (Colossians 3:12). These are some of the “garments” that make a mother truly beautiful to her children.

4. Mothers Teach Stewardship in Wise Use of Resources

Stewardship includes wise and careful management of resources, generous giving, diligent investments, and purposeful sharing.

As children observe their parents — what they give to God, what they keep for themselves, and how they spend the rest — the lessons of stewardship take shape. A wise mother will show her children that everything belongs to God, including money and possessions, and we are to wisely use and invest God’s resources for His glory.

Stewardship isn’t only about finances, however, although that’s a huge part of it. Stewardship is also about the diligent and wise use of time, cultivating strong relationships, and ministry through spiritual gifts.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions

Many children can attest to their mother’s gracious hospitality, offering meals or a guest room. Hospitable moms help visitors feel welcome and appreciated, and find rest, peace, joy, and more. 

1 Peter 4:9 says to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” We’re to cheerfully share our home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. Children learn quickly whether a mother’s hospitality is offered cheerfully or with complaints. 

Jesus said our hospitality should extend beyond our friends, relatives, and the wealthy (Luke 14:12-14). We’re to also consider hospitality to the “stranger” — one Bible version translates this as the “homeless” (Matthew 25:43). Again, children watch and learn.

Lydia was a thriving businesswoman in the Bible who practiced hospitality. She became Paul’s first convert (Acts 16:13-15). After Lydia and her household were baptized, she invited Paul and his missionary companions to stay in her home. She also offered her home for church gatherings (Acts 16:40). Although the Bible does not say whether Lydia had any biological children, the children of God in Philippi benefited and learned from her hospitable ways. In many ways, Lydia cared for that congregation like a nurturing mother.

6. Mothers Teach Wisdom by Acting Wisely

We’ve all seen hypocritical Christians who say one thing and do another. A wise mother will not only speak wisdom to her children, she will make strong, biblical choices because she knows her children are watching. 

As a wise mother studies the Bible, she fills her thoughts with godly wisdom, letting God’s Word penetrate deep into her soul. Then, through her everyday choices, she pours that wisdom into her family.

The book of Proverbs compares two kinds of women, wise and foolish. It can be noted that as much is revealed about those women’s actions as their words. In short, a wise woman builds her home on a foundation of godly truth and her household thrives; but a foolish woman, a woman without spiritual insight, tears it down piece by piece with her own hands (Proverbs 14:1). 

A mother who ignores the principles of biblical wisdom will suffer negative consequences; but a mom who knows and builds on the truth of the Scriptures blesses her family.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/belchonock

Think of it: Motherhood calls for courage from its beginning! Then, throughout motherhood, mothers can either instill fear or courage into their children. Through their words and deeds, mothers show children how to face difficult or fearsome circumstances with courage. 

Rather than trembling in fear, a courageous mom leans into the strength of God, knowing that He will uphold her (Isaiah 41:10). A woman’s courage comes from knowing that God is her strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). There is both a mother’s quiet courage in trusting the Lord, and fierce courage kindled in the grueling circumstances of life. Children observe both.

Mothers might give their children books and biblical stories to read about courage. For instance, Jochebed displayed tremendous mama bear courage when, in a self-sacrificing move, she saved baby Moses from death (Exodus 2:1-10). 

Jochebed’s daughter, Miriam, was part of her brave plan for the baby’s survival. Obeying her mother, Miriam stood at a distance to watch what would happen to her baby brother. She hurried to fetch Jochebed when Pharaoh’s daughter asked for a nurse for the baby she pulled from the Nile. Miriam learned her mom’s courage lesson well. As an adult, Miriam the prophetess figured alongside Moses and Aaron in courageously leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Micah 6:4).

8. Mothers Teach Perseverance by Not Giving Up

Perseverance (or persistence) is an important quality for young boys and girls to learn, and they can learn this as they observe their mothers. 

The Bible teaches that staying steadfast in tough trials produces perseverance and blessing (James 1:12; Romans 5:3). Mothers can illustrate how to not grow weary in doing good, and practice diligence by working hard. They might show their children photos that illustrate their own persistence in tackling touch challenges, or illustrate how to not give up as they pursue goals.

Jesus’ parable about a woman in Luke 18:1-8 illustrates the power of perseverance. The woman persistently bothered an unjust judge, trying to get justice against her adversary. Though the judge initially rejected her demands, he eventually gave in, worn out by her constant pleas. 

That is the kind of perseverance that impresses on children the importance of not losing heart in their own uphill battles. Mothers who never give up when facing tough obstacles — but prayerfully persist to overcome them — give their children a powerful model for their own perseverance.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Galina Zhigalova

Children know when mothers are bitter or holding grudges when offended or wounded by others. The offense might come from an insensitive husband, another relative, or a complete stranger; but the mom’s bitterness takes root and affects everyone in the family.

Children also sense the sweet perfume of forgiveness when mothers refuse to cling to offenses. When a mom forgives, that does not mean the offense was not great. It means that God is greater — He is the righteous judge and avenger — and she can safely leave the offense with Him. Her response of forgiveness shows she is not being overcome by evil, but rather, overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:20-21). She can safely leave the offense with Him.

One of the most powerful gifts a mother can give her child is the smile of forgiveness. Forgiveness must begin at home because children can grieve and offend mothers many times as they grow toward maturity. The Christian mother who obeys Scripture will forgive them, and others, even as the Lord forgave her. This spirit of forgiveness will bless and encourage her children.

10. Mothers Teach Appreciation by Cultivating Gratitude

What mother has not told her child who receives a gift or compliment, “Say thank you!” But moms teach appreciation in many other ways. It’s taught, but also caught. A mother who cultivates gratitude in her own heart can pass it down to her children. 

The Bible says much to inform mothers about the necessity of gratitude. Paul urges Christians to give thanks in all circumstances, because this is God’s will for us. Our prayers are to be offered in a spirit of thanksgiving. We’re to give thanks to God for his goodness and steadfast love, and praise Him for His many blessings (Psalm 107:1; Psalm 103:2-5). 

Whenever mothers show appreciation for blessings from God, offer gifts of appreciation, or simply write thank you cards, they set good examples for their children.

There are so many other lessons mothers teach their children without saying a word: patience when frustrated, cheerfulness instead of complaining, adaptability when situations change, and so much more. Mothers might prayerfully consider what their children learn through observation.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/MoMo-Productions