Message From Rev Joe, others from Rev Cannonball and Musicman soon to arrive as well
From the Pastors Study Rev Joe
“PROVERBS AND THE CHRISTIAN”
Wisdom In Selecting A Spouse INTERODUCTION
1. The value of “ The Book of Proverbs
“ is that it provides wisdom from God to guide us in every realm of life 2. Whether it be family, business, social or spiritual relationships, we can find “ inspired advice” that enables us to walk in wisdom, “redeeming the time , because the days are evil
“ – Ephesians 5:15 – 17
3. The purpose of this is not to present an exhaustive study of the proverbs, but to demonstrate in a few lessons its practicality in providing wisdom for the Christian today ( In this study, dealing with relationship’s we shall glean what wisdom we can from “The Book of Proverbs” in regards to selecting a spouse….)
I.. ADVICE IN SELECTING A WIFE
A . THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…. 1. much happiness in life depends upon making the right choice
–proverbs 12:4
a. A good choice greatly enhances the life of the husband b. But the wrong choice can destroy a man from the inside out ! 2. It is folly to think that a mistake in this area can be easily corrected a. Many think divorce can be an easy solution b. But God hates divorce ( Malachi 2:16 ), and remarriage may not be a viable option for the disciple of Christ
– Matthew 19;8 – 9
c. Even when it is, if there are children the selection you made will ALWAYS be the mother of your children ( for better or worse )
B. SOME GUIDELINES FOR FINDING A GOOD WIFE….
1. seek help from God -
Proverbs 19:14
a. Success in this ‘venture “ may depend more upon God than we think ! b. In view of the seriousness of this matter, dare we go about it alone ? 2. Do not place priority on “ good looks “ alone-
Proverbs 31:30
a. Beauty is skin-deep, temporary, and to which we can easily grow accustomed b. It is therefore a poor foundation upon which to build a life-long relationship c. Sadly, most marriages are built on little more than physical attraction 3. Instead, look for these characteristics in a woman a. The fear of the Lord – Proverbs 31:30 1) Such a woman possesses the beginning of wisdom – proverbs 1:7 2) Having a wife who is a devout Christian, then , should be a primary concern d. Discretion – Proverbs 11:22 1) This is the ability to do the right thing at the right time 2) Without this, beauty is worthless, and can even be the object of ridicule (e.g. “ dumb blond” jokes e. Wisdom – proverbs 14:1 1) With this virtue in a woman, a good home can be built 2) Without it, efforts by the husband will be undermined by the wife ! 3. To be avoided is the woman who is contentious ( argumentative ) ! a. picturesque descriptions of such a woman are found in Proverbs 19:13; 27:15-16 ( It is better to be single and alone, then to be married to the wrong person. To be married to a godly woman, however, is wonderful blessing from the lord (Proverbs 18:22 ). With the help God gives us in “The Book of Proverbs, “ we can increase the likelihood of finding a good spouse. The same is true for woman seeking a good husband. Much of what was said earlier is applicable, but there is more we can glean from the book of Proverbs………………..)
II ADVICE IN SELECTING A HUSBABD
THERE ARE WAYS TO LEARN A LOT ABOUT A MAN
b. Does he listen to the advice of others ? That will tell you whether he is a fool., or a wise person –Proverbs 12:15 c. What type of company does he keep ? You might be destroyed right along with him –Proverbs 13:20 d. Is he quick – tempered ? That determines whether he is a person of understanding –Proverbs 14:29 e. How does he make his money ? You will suffer the consequences of his decisions – Proverbs 15:27 f. Does he feel like he always has to put in his “ two-cents” worth ? if so, he lacks knowledge and a calm spirit – Proverbs 17:27-28 g. Does he have compassion for the poor ? if so, his prayers will then be answered – Proverbs 21:13 B. MEN TO AVOID
1. The womanizer (or flirter). He will destroy and hurt all those involved – Proverbs 6:27-29 2. A quick – tempered man . You will become like him and destroy yourself as well –Proverbs 22:24-25 3. A drinker –Proverbs 23:29-30 CONCLUSION
1. Some of the most important decisions we make in this life will be……. 2. With whom shall I spend my life ? ( Divorce and remarriage is not an option for the faithful Christian, with one exception – Matthew 19:9 3. Who shall be the father or mother of my children ? (This choice cannot be undone once the children are born ) DIVORCE DOES NOT CHANGE THIS 4. dare we make such decisions without consulting the wisdom found in the Word of God ? 5. This certainly does not exhaust all that “THE book of Proverbs “has to say about selecting a spouse but I trust I that we are seeing that Proverbs are extremely practical , worthy of our careful study and application to our lives Speaking of important decisions……have you made the most important decision you will ever make in you life concerning Jesus Christ ?