Following is the second half of “AFTER THE VOWS – A Word to Wives and Husbands.”
Now, the Bible does not let husbands escape its challenge! This very text (Proverbs 31) has something to say to every man. Here now are SUGGESTIONS TO HUSBANDS.
Read verse 28, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” See how the family is affected, attracted, drawn by a godly mother’s power! Fathers, in the future years when you sit alone with your memories, what will you have? You will be rewarded only by that amount of GOOD you have LIVED into the hearts of your family.
Follow carefully the next words of this same verse. “Her husband…praises her.” Husbands, that means, in short, BE ATTENTIVE. Are you?
Let’s begin at the beginning:
- BE ATTENTIVE IN CHOOSING YOUR WIFE
Scores of times the parent admonishes their youngster, “Pay attention to what you are doing…you are going to spill that…” Would that they were as concerned over more important things! A cup of milk on the carpet is a mess, but it doesn’t change life forever. Other things do!
Look what our text is saying in verse 1. We do not know who this King Lemuel is, but what a mother he had! Read those opening verses. She warns him of the power of a wrong woman, then draws him to see the grace of a good woman. Children taught this way from their childhood won’t marry in a crush or a mush or a rush.
Teach them to look on the heart and seek out that inner disposition.
Young men, lend me your imagination for a moment. Hold this classic picture of a beautiful female character before your mind — just as it is given in our text chapter. Now, let her stand right here. Look at her. Her modest poise. Her grace. True radiance. A strength that means, years from now, tender support for a troubled husband.
Next, let’s flash on the screen of imagination, right beside her, the typical teenage girl. You will recognize her walk. Her dress. What is she trying to display? Does she have any thoughts for others, really, unless it is for those she wants for herself?
Now, listen very quietly.
I want to tune in on the college girls’ dorm or perhaps the sidewalk outside the high school….What do you hear? Is this what you want throughout life? In contrast, turn to verse 26 and hear our gracious lady. “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Really now, who do you want to live with after the vows have been said? Beyond honeymoon lodge, what?
It is “until death do us part.” Twenty-five years from now, what will you have? When strength begins to fail, or perhaps sickness or accident rushes upon you, who will stand by you? Is she that sort of woman? What a fool the devil makes of some.
Young man, next to your finding Jesus, here is your greatest search. Learn to look where God looks — on the heart. Abraham, knowing the truth of our text (see verse 10), sent to a far country for a a wife for his son Isaac
II. BE ATTENTIVE IN LIVING WITH YOUR WIFE
“Her husband…praises her,” verse 28. Hear his just boast “but you surpass them all,” 29. The earlier proverb is true, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” Proverbs 12 :4.
Husbands, do you really, truly NOTICE your bride after these years? Listen to these words from I Corinthians 11:7, “woman is the glory of man.” And, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:28,29. Do we men in meanness display and tear at every fault, or do we love “even as the Lord loved the church?” Covering, bearing, helping weaknesses.
The kindest and happiest
pair
Will find occasion to
forbear;
And something every day
they live
To pity, and perhaps
forgive.
–Cowper
Oh, especially thank and praise the merciful God if you have a Christian wife. Make much of the spiritual communion, the sweetness of one faith. Pray together every single day.
If you have a worldly wife, make sure you are not drawn to argue just as one who is himself without a gracious God.
Often while playing, children will dare one another to “go first.” “No, you go first,” and so on. Here is the catch in this message. Somebody has to go first. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. (Romans 5:8)
Men, you wish to be head of the home. All right, here is your chance to lead in the establishing of a truly Christian home. Wives, help answer your own prayers and dreams for something better.
First, ask God’s help. Then, share humbly your thoughts with each other.