"THE BOOK OF PROVERBS" Wisdom Regarding Marriage (2) INTRODUCTION 1. We saw in our previous lesson that Proverbs can be a helpful guide in selecting a good spouse 2. In this study, we will consider what it says about being a good spouse 3. 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 - 1Pe 3:7 [Appreciating the importance of a good marriage, let's begin with that beautiful passage in Proverbs 31 where we read about...] I. THE VIRTUOUS WIFE A. THE IDEAL WIFE... 1. Trustworthy - Pr 31:11 a. The husband can safely entrust her with his income b. She will not squander what he gives her, but use it in a manner that benefits them both 2. Filled with an enduring love - Pr 31:12 a. Devoted to doing her husband good all her life b. Just as she vowed in the wedding ceremony 3. Has practical skills - Pr 31:13-15,21-22 a. Such as sewing b. And cooking 4. Industrious - Pr 31:16,24 a. Makes investments (buys land and plants a vineyard) b. Provides extra income (makes clothing and sells to merchants) 5. Compassionate - Pr 31:20 a. Helping the poor b. Reaching out to the needy 6. Strong character - Pr 31:25 a. Character matters, and she has developed a strong one b. Just as Peter stressed in 1Pe 3:3-4 7. Speaks words of wisdom and kindness - Pr 31:26 a. She is thus concerned about what proceeds from her mouth b. Just as Paul stressed in Ep 4:29 8. Diligently sees to her family's need - Pr 31:27 a. Makes whatever preparation necessary - cf. Pr 31:15 b. So that her family does not go in want - cf. Pr 31:21 9. Fears the Lord - Pr 31:29-30 a. She understands that this quality is more important and praiseworthy than physical beauty b. With the fear of the Lord, she has the potential for great wisdom - Pr 1:7 -- Such are the qualities of being a good spouse B. WHAT A WIFE DOES NOT WANT TO BE... 1. Contentious - cf. Pr 21:9,19 2. Hateful - Pr 30:21-23 -- Both make it where the husband does not want to be around her [Enough about being a good wife; where can we go in Proverbs to learn about being a good husband...?] II. THE VIRTUOUS HUSBAND A. WHERE'S THE PASSAGE DESCRIBING THE VIRTUOUS MAN...? 1. A question often raised by women, sometimes suggesting there is none 2. But bear in mind that the Proverbs are primarily addressed to the man! a. There is half a chapter describing the virtuous woman b. There are thirty plus chapters describing the virtuous man! -- The entire book, if followed, produces a husband any woman would love B. THE IDEAL HUSBAND... 1. Values his wife highly - Pr 18:22; 19:14 a. He realizes that she is a gift from God b. Especially when she proves to be prudent 2. Gives his wife her due - Pr 31:31 a. Allows his wife the opportunity to develop her own abilities b. Lets her reap the benefits of her own labors c. I.e., does not treat her simply as an appendage of himself 3. Praises his wife profusely - Pr 31:28b-29 a. Praises her frequently b. Does not take her for granted 4. Trusts his wife implicitly - Pr 31:11 a. Demonstrates a willingness to trust her b. In such areas as her intelligence, her faithfulness, her abilities c. Is not jealous or suspicious 5. Content with his wife's love - Pr 5:15-21 a. Does not look elsewhere b. Will save him and his family much harm -- A few examples of how Proverbs can help a man be a good spouse CONCLUSION 1. So much of the joy and meaning of life that God would have us enjoy is lost if there is not a good marriage 2. As Solomon wrote in another book of wisdom... "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun." - Ec 9:9 The book Of Proverbs can also guide us in developing wholesome families. Our next study shall consider examples of inspired advice on providing for a family and raising children...Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011
