Bible Verses for Mother's Day

Do you want to make your Mother's Day card extra special this year? Consider doing more than signing your name. Here are my top ten picks for Bible verses to include in your card or letter to your mom.

1. Proverbs 31:28-29

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

There is a reason why Proverbs 31 is at the top of everyone's "Top 10 Verses for Mother's Day" list! Any woman, if she senses the compliment is sincere, would feel honored by being compared to the woman described in Proverbs 31. If you give your mother this message, you are telling her that she deserves your praise. Not only that, but she stands out above all other women. If this description fits your mother, tell her.

Tip: Write briefly in your card about a time when your mother did something noble, for you or for someone else. Thank her for her wonderful example.

2. Psalm 115:15

May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

This verse is a general blessing that would be appropriate for anyone; what makes it appropriate for your mother is something you must decide. Think of all that she has done for you, perhaps late-night conversations when you were upset, wise counsel when you were afraid, or money when you were broke. You will probably find yourself saying, "God, please bless this woman."

Tip: Tell your mother something she has done to bless you, such as teaching you how to cook, or driving you to basketball practice all those years, or taking you to church. Explain why you want her to see her blessed by God. You might even want to take a moment out right now to pray for her.

3. Psalm 37:26

They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

Is your mother a generous person? Don't think merely money. Some mothers don't have much money at their disposal but are still very generous with what they have (food, time, clothing, skill). If your mother is always cheerfully giving of herself and her resources, you can honor her by saying, "Thanks, Mom. Your generosity has blessed me."

Tip: You may want to include verse 25, as well. It explains that "they" in verse 26 refers to righteous people, or those who live in accordance with God's ways. Consider saying more than just, "Hey, Mom. Thanks for being generous." Tell her a time when you noticed that generosity and the impact it made on you.

4. Proverbs 14:26

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be refuge.

Many children first learn about the Bible from their parents. If you were so blessed as to have a mother who raised you to love God, tell her that you recognize what a wonderful blessing it was. Tell her that her faith has been a refuge to you, as well. If she loves the Lord, she will have no greater blessing than to know that you do, too.

Tip: This verse is especially suited for those who have recently gone through a hard time. Perhaps right now you are grieving because of tragedy in your life or family. If so, this verse can be of great comfort. The whole idea of a fortress is that it protects you in times of trouble. It is okay to acknowledge on Mother's Day that you are struggling, or that she is struggling, but that you are able to find comfort in your common faith.

5. Numbers 6:24-26

"'"The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."'"

These verses are another general blessing. When the nation of Israel had left Egypt to become established in their own land, this is the blessing God told the priests to use when blessing the people. This passage still makes a great blessing for anyone today. If you are planning to give your Mom a home-made card, this short blessing would make a great centerpiece for the inside of the card because it contains both powerful feeling and beautiful language.

Tip: The point of a blessing is to express to someone else that you want them to experience joy and goodness in life. This blessing is an excellent addition to a card because it requires no further explanation. However, if you wish to expand your message, tell your mother why you want to extend this blessing to her. This is a good chance to encourage your mother, and all mothers need encouragement, no matter their age.

6. Proverbs 11:16

A kindhearted woman gains respect . . . .

This verse is direct. If you have mother you would describe as kindhearted, let her know. If you respect her, let her know. You can say it in five words.

Tip: It's not uncommon for older children to let their parents know that they respect them. But if you are a teen who sometimes clashes heads with your mother, it is especially important for you to let her know that you respect her. Of course, it matters what you say and do every day, but Mother's Day is still a good place to start. Tell her why you respect her.

7. Proverbs 16:31

Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.

In our culture today, gray hair is often seen as something to hide or to be ashamed of. This verse turns that assumption on its end. It says gray hair is a glory when it's the sign of years walked with God. What a blessing if this verse applies to your mother!

Tip: Choose carefully when using this verse in a card. If you think your mother will be offended, pick a different verse. But if you think she will be encouraged, share it with her. Remember to tell her how much you appreciate her wisdom, how you are glad you can draw from her years of experience. Let her know that she is more beautiful now that she ever has been. You can be a blessing to her.

8. Psalm 78:4

We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

You could take several angles with this verse. You may have had a mother who taught you about God's work. She may have inspired you to teach your children. If she lives near by, she may even help to teach your children. The main idea in this verse is the passing down of faith to future generations. If your mother has been a part of this process, thank her this Mother's Day. If she is a woman who has built her life around passing on her faith to others, she will be encouraged by your assurance that you have been listening.

Tip: This is suitable for any Christian woman, regardless of how many years she has been one, if she talks about faith with you. It may be as simple as having a casual conversation, and she says, "Let me tell you what God's been doing in my life lately. It is so exciting." It may be as formal as teaching a Sunday school class. Whatever it is, thank her for her enthusiasm. Thank her for sharing with other people. And thank her for the impact she has had and does have in your life.

9. Proverbs 20:7

The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.

Although this verse speaks of a man, I believe it is just as suitable for a woman. If you have a mother who has chosen to do good and right things in her lifetime, you have probably gained blessings, whether direct or indirect, as a result of her choices. You can use this verse to tell her that you appreciate her choices.

Tip: Once again, be specific, if possible. Take a few minutes to list some choices she has made and their positive effects on you. You might include the whole list in your note to her, or you may choose one of those ideas to talk about in more depth. Whatever you do, let her know that you appreciate her good choices.

10. Psalm 145:4

One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

This verse is similar to Psalm 78:4, but it speaks to God. You could speak the previous verses on this list directly to your mother, and they wouldn't sound odd. If you approach this one the same way, however, you will miss the whole point. The "your" in this verse refers to God. But that doesn't make this verse less effective. It just requires some explanation. Why would you use it instead of Psalm 78:4 if you want to communicate your gratitude for your mother sharing her faith with you? The unique perspective of this verse makes it like a prayer that she overhears. You are telling God that you've noticed your mother sharing with the next generation what He has done for her. And then she walks into the room and hears you praying.

Tip: If you pray for your mother, and you thank God for how she has shared in your life, this may be a good verse to include in your card. Let her know that in reading this verse, she is catching a glimpse of your prayer to God about her.

Use Mother's Day as an opportunity to let your mother know how much you appreciate her. It doesn't always take an expensive gift or an elaborate plan to do that.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.