Being a godly spouse.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 31:11.                         Theme: Being a godly spouse.

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So, he will have no lack of gain.”

 

We have looked at the Book of Proverbs for wisdom in finding a good spouse, now we are returning to the Book of Proverbs for guidelines on being a godly spouse in our marriages, these thoughts are based on the bible verses found in Proverbs. The importance of this subject should be evident:

a. Happiness in life is greatly affected by how successful we are in marriage.

b. Even our usefulness to the Lord is affected by the relationship between husbands and wives.

c. For example, a husband’s prayers can be hindered by his treatment of his wife 1 Peter 3:7.

          Very few (men) read the instruction manual that often comes with something we bought; we always think we will cope in understanding how it works. Well, the bible gives us a great description of the perfect wife in Proverbs 31.

 

One. The Righteous Wife.

 

A. The ideal wife is:

Trustworthy Proverbs 31:11. The husband can safely entrust her with their income, she will not waste it, but use it in a manner that benefits the family.

 

B. Filled with a lasting love Proverbs 31:12.

Devoted to doing her husband and family good in all her life, just as she vowed in the wedding ceremony.

 

C. Has practical skills Proverbs 31:13-15,21-22.

Such as repairing clothes, and cooking, (this is based on bible verses, most couples now share the cooking). Plus, in bible times very few women worked outside the home for an income. Oh, how times have changed.

 

D. Hard-working Proverbs 31:16,24.

Makes investments (buys land and plants a vineyard), provides extra income (makes clothing and sells to merchants). Today, she maybe even in full-time in the job market.

 

E. Compassionate Proverbs 31:20.

          Helping the poor and reaching out to the needy.

 

F. Strong character Proverbs 31:25.

Character matters, and she has developed a strong one, just as Peter stressed in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

 

G. Speaks words of wisdom and kindness Proverbs 31:26.

She is thus concerned about what proceeds from her mouth, just as Paul stressed in Ephesians 4:29.

 

H. Thoroughly sees to her family’s need Proverbs 31:27.

Makes whatever preparation necessary Proverbs 31:15, so that her family does not go in want Proverbs 31:21.

 

I. Fears the Lord Proverbs 31:29-30.

She understands that this quality is more important and praiseworthy than physical beauty, with the fear of the Lord, she has the potential for great wisdom Proverbs 1:7.

Such are the qualities of being a good spouse

 

A wife must NOT be:

Quarrelsome Proverbs 21:9,19, and Hateful Proverbs 30:21-23. Both make it where the husband does not want to be around her.

 

 

Two. The righteous Husband.

 

          We do not have a single passage in Proverbs for the righteous husband, but bear in mind that the Proverbs are primarily addressed to the man!

There is half a chapter describing the virtuous woman, but there are thirty plus chapters describing the virtuous man! For the entire book, if followed, produces a husband any woman would love

 

The ideal husband:

A. Values his wife highly Proverbs 18:22; 19:14.

He realizes that she is a gift from God, especially when she proves to be sensible.

 

B. Gives his wife her due Proverbs 31:31.

Allows his wife the opportunity to develop her own abilities, lets her reap the benefits of her own labours. He does not treat her simply as an addition of himself.

 

C. Praises his wife freely Proverbs 31:28b-29.

Praises her frequently and does not take her for granted.

 

D. Trusts his wife implicitly Proverbs 31:11.

Demonstrates a willingness to trust her, in such areas as her intelligence, her faithfulness, her abilities, and is not jealous or suspicious.

 

E. Content with his wife’s love Proverbs 5:15-21.

Does not look elsewhere, which will save him and his family much harm.

 

These are just a few examples of how Proverbs can help a man be a good spouse.

 

Conclusion:

 

So much of the joy and meaning of life that God would have us enjoy is lost if there is not a good marriage.

The book Of Proverbs can also guide us in developing wholesome families.