Title

A Proverbs 31 Marriage

Scripture
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
(Proverbs 31:10)
Devotional
Who can find a virtuous wife and may I be so bold as to add husband? He or she who seeks godliness instead of lustfulness. The one who measures beauty starting from within will find the spouse of his or her dreams. But what about those already married? What if it is too late and you believe that you have chosen the wrong spouse? If you perceive this to be the case, there is only one thing to do-your best. Each of us has a job to do in marriage. The husband’s job is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her.(1) The duty of the wife is to submit to her husband as is fitting in the Lord.(2) If I persistently do my part in my marriage, that is all I can do. It is up to God and my spouse to do the rest. It is not my job to make my spouse virtuous. It is my job to be virtuous. No blame, no fault finding, no score keeping, just doing my part by the grace of God to the best of my ability.

(1) Ephesians 5:25, (2) Colossians 3:18
Text For The Day
Proverbs 31:10: Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
 
Thought For The Day

Five major needs of women: 1) Affection, 2) Conversation, 3) Honesty and openness, 4) Financial support, 5) Family commitment. Five major needs of men: 1) Sexual fulfillment, 2) Recreational companionship, 3) An attractive spouse, 4) Domestic support, 5) Admiration.” Charles Swindoll, noted pastor and author,  The Grace Awakening, Word, 1990, p. 256.

Questions To Ponder
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Virtuous”: “Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, and abstaining from vice; as a virtuous man,” Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.
 
Referencing: “I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman,” Ruth 3:11.
 
Applying: Make virtue the attribute by which you are known this New Year’s Eve.