Lesson: Preparing for Marriage: Before You Say "I Do"
God created us male and female, and He created in us the desire to love and be loved, to form an intimate relationship with our soul mate. He blesses this union in marriage, and He teaches us in the Bible many things we can do to prepare for a successful and happy marriage.
Consider this long-lasting love story condensed from the article "Secrets of Love":
Edward and Angie Smith were high school sweethearts. They met when they were freshmen and started dating their senior year. They graduated in May of 1944, and were married Oct. 8, 1944, on Angie's 18th birthday.
Nine months later, Ed was drafted into the army. Of course, the couple didn't want to be separated, so Angie traveled with him as much as possible. But when Ed was sent to Germany for a year, Angie returned to her parents' home.
During that year, the Smiths did their best to stay close. Ed wrote his wife every day. Angie feels God helped them to be faithful to each other.
Thinking back to those early years Ed says, "Obviously, the early portion of married life can be a 'testing time'—letting your thoughts, moods, emotions and plans blend into a harmonious unit [in an effort] to become truly synergistic. Having to leave my bride of just over a year behind, while serving in the military at the Nuremberg Trials in Germany, was a sad time."
Finding a job just after World War II was not easy either, and there was very little pay in those days. With teamwork and careful planning, however, he explained that they were able to buy and pay for their first home.
Over the years, Ed and Angie Smith survived many other trials that tested their faith and courage. "It was not easy at all, but our love for God and one another pulled us through," he said.
Ed Smith reminds couples that "prayer is vital. Ask God to guide the decisions. I still remember vividly praying (as best I knew how): 'God, if it is Your will and this is the wife I should have, please let it be.' He graciously answered with the 'best wife in all the world!'"
He encouraged those thinking about marriage to get to know each other. "Even play some type of competitive game in which there is a winner and loser and see how the prospective spouse controls or loses their temper or composure. Look for extreme mood swings. Observe how the prospective mate handles their relationship with their parents, siblings, friends, etc. Chances are you will be handled in much the same way."
Ed Smith summed up his secrets of true love with these Cs: "Commitment, communication, cooperation and compromise for the mutual care and concern of one another is most vital. Planning and doing things together is very necessary. We never wanted to be apart—where one went, the other wanted to go.
"Love must be shown and genuinely expressed. I often tell my wife: 'Honey, when I married you 55 years ago—I thought I loved you, and now 55 years later—I know I love you.' Remain the best of friends and always be faithful to each other," he said.
Share Your Story
What Does the Bible Say About Preparing for Marriage?How can we prepare ourselves physically and financially for marriage?
Proverbs 24:27, New Living Translation
Develop your business first before building your house.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
God's way of life is a way of planning and preparation. We should diligently study and plan our education to prepare for a career that not only makes use of our talents, interests and skills, but will help support our future family. We should learn the value of being a valuable employee.
Also, learn the life skills you'll need, such as budgeting, wise financial planning, home care and repair, nutrition and cooking, clothing care, communication, conflict resolution, how to treat the opposite sex, etc.
What spiritual character traits does God want us to develop?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails...
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
These and other spiritual characteristics provide us with a lifetime goal for growth. God's Holy Spirit, given after repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38), is a key ingredient in making this spiritual growth possible. But even before baptism we need to be aware of these characteristics and be seeking God's help to develop them.
How does this relate to preparing for marriage? Without a growing level of emotional and spiritual maturity and character, frictions and conflicts can eat away at a marriage. With a commitment to these spiritual characteristics, we can work through the natural tensions and challenges that every marriage goes through.
What does God require and want from you in marriage?
Ephesians 5:22-25, 28, 33
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her...
So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself...
Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1 Peter 3:1-2, 5-7
Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear...
For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
It is important to study the biblical instructions that you will be agreeing to in marriage. Understanding what we are committing to and considering how to apply these principles is a key part of making a strong and permanent commitment. See the "Apply Now" and "Related Resources" sections below for additional study on these roles and commitments in marriage.
Choose WiselyDuring Bible times, arranged marriages were common, so our modern method of choosing a mate is not discussed in the Bible. But the Bible has a great deal of advice on how to make decisions and choices, and these can apply in marriage as well.
What kinds of relationships does God warn us to avoid?
Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go...
Proverbs 24:30-34
I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
A friendship with an angry man can be damaging enough, but the terrible scourge of abusive marriages is a stark warning to someone contemplating marriage. Laziness is another warning sign we should not ignore as we get to know potential marriage partners.
Since our relationship with God should be paramount in our lives, the apostle Paul warned us not to choose to marry someone who doesn't share our deepest beliefs and spiritual commitments. Marriage is intended to be the most intimate relationship, so we should try to find someone like-minded who we can share our deepest thoughts and dreams with.
How can we choose our future mate wisely?
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Luke 14:28-30
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"
The biblical principles of decision making apply to choosing a husband or wife as well. We start by praying for God's guidance and seeking His will by studying the biblical passages on the subject. God tells us He does answer our prayers when we pray unselfishly and pray according to His will (James 4:3; 1 John 5:14). However, we must remember that His time frame is much different from ours, so we must learn patience. When we strive to seek God's wisdom and follow biblical principles, we can entrust our decisions and the worries that naturally accompany them to God (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33-34).
God encourages us to seek wise counsel about our decisions. Our parents know us well, sometimes better than we know ourselves, and they have our best interest in mind. Seek their advice and input. Ministerial counsel is also a great benefit in understanding the biblical principles and roles and in practical application of those principles.
The Marriage CommitmentHow does God view marriage and divorce?
Matthew 19:4-6
And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
"For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."
As we saw earlier, the marriage relationship is a type of the eternal, spiritual relationship of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). In picturing that relationship, we learn how important commitment is to our faithful God. God's commitments are eternal! He wants us to share in a wonderful, stable and committed relationship with Him, and He gives us marriage and other relationships now to learn and grow in that kind of loving commitment.
Preparing for marriage is a major subject that we have only scratched the surface of. Please read some of the "Related Resources" below and seek parental and ministerial counseling early and throughout your relationship so you can be well prepared for a loving and lasting marriage.
God created us male and female, and He created in us the desire to love and be loved, to form an intimate relationship with our soul mate. He blesses this union in marriage, and He teaches us in the Bible many things we can do to prepare for a successful and happy marriage.
Consider this long-lasting love story condensed from the article "Secrets of Love":
Edward and Angie Smith were high school sweethearts. They met when they were freshmen and started dating their senior year. They graduated in May of 1944, and were married Oct. 8, 1944, on Angie's 18th birthday.
Nine months later, Ed was drafted into the army. Of course, the couple didn't want to be separated, so Angie traveled with him as much as possible. But when Ed was sent to Germany for a year, Angie returned to her parents' home.
During that year, the Smiths did their best to stay close. Ed wrote his wife every day. Angie feels God helped them to be faithful to each other.
Thinking back to those early years Ed says, "Obviously, the early portion of married life can be a 'testing time'—letting your thoughts, moods, emotions and plans blend into a harmonious unit [in an effort] to become truly synergistic. Having to leave my bride of just over a year behind, while serving in the military at the Nuremberg Trials in Germany, was a sad time."
Finding a job just after World War II was not easy either, and there was very little pay in those days. With teamwork and careful planning, however, he explained that they were able to buy and pay for their first home.
Over the years, Ed and Angie Smith survived many other trials that tested their faith and courage. "It was not easy at all, but our love for God and one another pulled us through," he said.
Ed Smith reminds couples that "prayer is vital. Ask God to guide the decisions. I still remember vividly praying (as best I knew how): 'God, if it is Your will and this is the wife I should have, please let it be.' He graciously answered with the 'best wife in all the world!'"
He encouraged those thinking about marriage to get to know each other. "Even play some type of competitive game in which there is a winner and loser and see how the prospective spouse controls or loses their temper or composure. Look for extreme mood swings. Observe how the prospective mate handles their relationship with their parents, siblings, friends, etc. Chances are you will be handled in much the same way."
Ed Smith summed up his secrets of true love with these Cs: "Commitment, communication, cooperation and compromise for the mutual care and concern of one another is most vital. Planning and doing things together is very necessary. We never wanted to be apart—where one went, the other wanted to go.
"Love must be shown and genuinely expressed. I often tell my wife: 'Honey, when I married you 55 years ago—I thought I loved you, and now 55 years later—I know I love you.' Remain the best of friends and always be faithful to each other," he said.
Share Your Story
What Does the Bible Say About Preparing for Marriage?How can we prepare ourselves physically and financially for marriage?
Proverbs 24:27, New Living Translation
Develop your business first before building your house.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
God's way of life is a way of planning and preparation. We should diligently study and plan our education to prepare for a career that not only makes use of our talents, interests and skills, but will help support our future family. We should learn the value of being a valuable employee.
Also, learn the life skills you'll need, such as budgeting, wise financial planning, home care and repair, nutrition and cooking, clothing care, communication, conflict resolution, how to treat the opposite sex, etc.
What spiritual character traits does God want us to develop?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails...
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
These and other spiritual characteristics provide us with a lifetime goal for growth. God's Holy Spirit, given after repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38), is a key ingredient in making this spiritual growth possible. But even before baptism we need to be aware of these characteristics and be seeking God's help to develop them.
How does this relate to preparing for marriage? Without a growing level of emotional and spiritual maturity and character, frictions and conflicts can eat away at a marriage. With a commitment to these spiritual characteristics, we can work through the natural tensions and challenges that every marriage goes through.
What does God require and want from you in marriage?
Ephesians 5:22-25, 28, 33
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her...
So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself...
Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1 Peter 3:1-2, 5-7
Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear...
For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
It is important to study the biblical instructions that you will be agreeing to in marriage. Understanding what we are committing to and considering how to apply these principles is a key part of making a strong and permanent commitment. See the "Apply Now" and "Related Resources" sections below for additional study on these roles and commitments in marriage.
Choose WiselyDuring Bible times, arranged marriages were common, so our modern method of choosing a mate is not discussed in the Bible. But the Bible has a great deal of advice on how to make decisions and choices, and these can apply in marriage as well.
What kinds of relationships does God warn us to avoid?
Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go...
Proverbs 24:30-34
I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
A friendship with an angry man can be damaging enough, but the terrible scourge of abusive marriages is a stark warning to someone contemplating marriage. Laziness is another warning sign we should not ignore as we get to know potential marriage partners.
Since our relationship with God should be paramount in our lives, the apostle Paul warned us not to choose to marry someone who doesn't share our deepest beliefs and spiritual commitments. Marriage is intended to be the most intimate relationship, so we should try to find someone like-minded who we can share our deepest thoughts and dreams with.
How can we choose our future mate wisely?
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Luke 14:28-30
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"
The biblical principles of decision making apply to choosing a husband or wife as well. We start by praying for God's guidance and seeking His will by studying the biblical passages on the subject. God tells us He does answer our prayers when we pray unselfishly and pray according to His will (James 4:3; 1 John 5:14). However, we must remember that His time frame is much different from ours, so we must learn patience. When we strive to seek God's wisdom and follow biblical principles, we can entrust our decisions and the worries that naturally accompany them to God (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33-34).
God encourages us to seek wise counsel about our decisions. Our parents know us well, sometimes better than we know ourselves, and they have our best interest in mind. Seek their advice and input. Ministerial counsel is also a great benefit in understanding the biblical principles and roles and in practical application of those principles.
The Marriage CommitmentHow does God view marriage and divorce?
Matthew 19:4-6
And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
"For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."
As we saw earlier, the marriage relationship is a type of the eternal, spiritual relationship of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). In picturing that relationship, we learn how important commitment is to our faithful God. God's commitments are eternal! He wants us to share in a wonderful, stable and committed relationship with Him, and He gives us marriage and other relationships now to learn and grow in that kind of loving commitment.
Preparing for marriage is a major subject that we have only scratched the surface of. Please read some of the "Related Resources" below and seek parental and ministerial counseling early and throughout your relationship so you can be well prepared for a loving and lasting marriage.
Added 12.08.2015 Biblical Marriage Study Written by Dr. George Kuykendall for Officers’ Christian Fellowship Copyright 2008 by Officers’ Christian Fellowship of the U.S.A. All rights reserved.
Study #4 What the Bible says about the wife’s role in marriage.
Let’s start by having someone volunteer to read Proverbs 18:22.
What are the two points made here? He who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.
Why do you think the man who finds a good wife finds favor from the Lord? God created man and woman to unity and the marriage completes that unit. In a good marriage there is the witness of each of the spouses plus the witness of the couple which illustrates the most powerful possible relationship between two people under God’s power and authority.
What is the perfect model for the Christian to pattern life by? Jesus. He came and modeled for us how to live a spiritually perfect life. So we look to Jesus to determine how we should live a godly life.
Let’s focus on the wife of the marriage team. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the ideal wife. Let’s look at this description and discuss each trait described. Would someone please read Proverbs 31:10-31?
In verse 10, the Hebrew word for noble character is hayil which relates to strength of character. Appropriate English synonyms are virtuous or good. What is the contemporary meaning of virtuous? It is a process both of thought and act. It includes thinking good thoughts as well as living life in a good way.
What is the opposite of virtuous or good? Evil
In scriptural terms, how would a virtuous person act? They would be righteous in the eyes of God and do right according to God’s will. A virtuous person would avoid even the “appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).
What value does verse 10 place on a good wife? More precious than rubies. Jewels/riches/wealth.
Why is a good wife of such value? She completes her husband. According to Genesis 2:20b, God determined that Adam needed a helpmate, and provided for this need by creating Eve.
Apparently a good wife provides some things that wealth can not buy. What might these things be?
A good wife is a reliable, predictable, and trustworthy helpmate. She becomes one physically and in spirit with her husband. If they are a good team, their unit will result in creativity that they could not produce separately. They become a team that is worth more than riches. Each is completed by the other. They are on the same side and bring out the best in each other.
What is the meaning of verse 11 “her husband has full confidence in her?” He has confidence in her ability to manage things. She can be trusted. She will be such an asset that their fortune will grow. (A study of the destructive factors to marriage reveals the things which destroy trust are abuses of money, adultery, etc. We must be able to trust each other.)
How would you interpret verse 12? Life is easier with a good helpmate. Life is extended, more meaningful, and more fruitful.
What is the importance of verse 13? She searches for good things to add creatively/productively to their life. She is a positive, accepting member of the team.
What the NIV calls “eager hands” can also reflect a “willing spirit.” What are some practical things that the husband can do to encourage a wife’s willing spirit? Be committed to her, meet her needs, share with her so she truly feels as one with him.
Let’s look at the remaining verses in turn for meaning and application to life in our contemporary world. Verse 14? She does not limit herself to what is at hand/available. She extends herself for resources.
Verse 15? She rises early/plans ahead to provide food for her family. She organizes and manages her household.
Verse 16? She invests and is productive.
Verse 17? She keeps herself physically fit, strong, and healthy.
Verse 18? She perceives that she is productive. She sacrifices to manage her home.
Verse 19? Probably applies to the tedious work of spinning and weaving which requires patience…as does managing a home and raising children.
Verse 20? She practices hospitality, ministers to the needs of others, and goes out of her way to help others. She is not a selfish person with her time or resources.
Verse 21? The idea here is “warm clothing” of double thickness. When winter comes her family’s clothes are ready.
Verse 22? She clothes her home and herself attractively, looks good.
Verse 23? She is such a good wife that her husband is admired and respected for her qualities.
Verse 24? She is productive in a physical sense.
Verse 25? She is unafraid of the future. She is confident/secure in life because of her inner strength and values.
Verse 26? Her words testify to her wisdom. She teaches/models to others.
Verse 27? She is aware of and manages her household. She doesn’t waste time, isn’t lazy.
Verses 28 and 29? Her children and husband testify to the blessing she is to them.
How do you think the husband’s praise in verse 29 affects the wife?
Verse 30? The most important aspect of the life of this woman is that she is a godly person who lives for the Lord.
Verse 31? She deserves and should receive physical reward from the fruit of her labor. She is recognized for her good works.
What kind of woman does Proverbs 31 describe? The perfect one. This is a description of the model wife over her lifetime.
How is this relevant to the average woman? A criterion. A standard to grow to.
What can a woman do about those areas in which she does not measure up? Pick one attribute to work on, changing her life.
One practical thing women can do is to memorize Scriptures relating to the areas in which they struggle. When one senses the first negative thought or feeling related to those areas, quote the Scriptures, asking God for help and strength. And by an act of the will, reject the negative thought or feeling…and thus be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ
Study #4 What the Bible says about the wife’s role in marriage.
Let’s start by having someone volunteer to read Proverbs 18:22.
What are the two points made here? He who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.
Why do you think the man who finds a good wife finds favor from the Lord? God created man and woman to unity and the marriage completes that unit. In a good marriage there is the witness of each of the spouses plus the witness of the couple which illustrates the most powerful possible relationship between two people under God’s power and authority.
What is the perfect model for the Christian to pattern life by? Jesus. He came and modeled for us how to live a spiritually perfect life. So we look to Jesus to determine how we should live a godly life.
Let’s focus on the wife of the marriage team. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the ideal wife. Let’s look at this description and discuss each trait described. Would someone please read Proverbs 31:10-31?
In verse 10, the Hebrew word for noble character is hayil which relates to strength of character. Appropriate English synonyms are virtuous or good. What is the contemporary meaning of virtuous? It is a process both of thought and act. It includes thinking good thoughts as well as living life in a good way.
What is the opposite of virtuous or good? Evil
In scriptural terms, how would a virtuous person act? They would be righteous in the eyes of God and do right according to God’s will. A virtuous person would avoid even the “appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).
What value does verse 10 place on a good wife? More precious than rubies. Jewels/riches/wealth.
Why is a good wife of such value? She completes her husband. According to Genesis 2:20b, God determined that Adam needed a helpmate, and provided for this need by creating Eve.
Apparently a good wife provides some things that wealth can not buy. What might these things be?
A good wife is a reliable, predictable, and trustworthy helpmate. She becomes one physically and in spirit with her husband. If they are a good team, their unit will result in creativity that they could not produce separately. They become a team that is worth more than riches. Each is completed by the other. They are on the same side and bring out the best in each other.
What is the meaning of verse 11 “her husband has full confidence in her?” He has confidence in her ability to manage things. She can be trusted. She will be such an asset that their fortune will grow. (A study of the destructive factors to marriage reveals the things which destroy trust are abuses of money, adultery, etc. We must be able to trust each other.)
How would you interpret verse 12? Life is easier with a good helpmate. Life is extended, more meaningful, and more fruitful.
What is the importance of verse 13? She searches for good things to add creatively/productively to their life. She is a positive, accepting member of the team.
What the NIV calls “eager hands” can also reflect a “willing spirit.” What are some practical things that the husband can do to encourage a wife’s willing spirit? Be committed to her, meet her needs, share with her so she truly feels as one with him.
Let’s look at the remaining verses in turn for meaning and application to life in our contemporary world. Verse 14? She does not limit herself to what is at hand/available. She extends herself for resources.
Verse 15? She rises early/plans ahead to provide food for her family. She organizes and manages her household.
Verse 16? She invests and is productive.
Verse 17? She keeps herself physically fit, strong, and healthy.
Verse 18? She perceives that she is productive. She sacrifices to manage her home.
Verse 19? Probably applies to the tedious work of spinning and weaving which requires patience…as does managing a home and raising children.
Verse 20? She practices hospitality, ministers to the needs of others, and goes out of her way to help others. She is not a selfish person with her time or resources.
Verse 21? The idea here is “warm clothing” of double thickness. When winter comes her family’s clothes are ready.
Verse 22? She clothes her home and herself attractively, looks good.
Verse 23? She is such a good wife that her husband is admired and respected for her qualities.
Verse 24? She is productive in a physical sense.
Verse 25? She is unafraid of the future. She is confident/secure in life because of her inner strength and values.
Verse 26? Her words testify to her wisdom. She teaches/models to others.
Verse 27? She is aware of and manages her household. She doesn’t waste time, isn’t lazy.
Verses 28 and 29? Her children and husband testify to the blessing she is to them.
How do you think the husband’s praise in verse 29 affects the wife?
Verse 30? The most important aspect of the life of this woman is that she is a godly person who lives for the Lord.
Verse 31? She deserves and should receive physical reward from the fruit of her labor. She is recognized for her good works.
What kind of woman does Proverbs 31 describe? The perfect one. This is a description of the model wife over her lifetime.
How is this relevant to the average woman? A criterion. A standard to grow to.
What can a woman do about those areas in which she does not measure up? Pick one attribute to work on, changing her life.
One practical thing women can do is to memorize Scriptures relating to the areas in which they struggle. When one senses the first negative thought or feeling related to those areas, quote the Scriptures, asking God for help and strength. And by an act of the will, reject the negative thought or feeling…and thus be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ
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