Daily Devotional Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in
the Bible.
The Wisdom of God
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs
31:10-12 (KJV): 10 Who can find a virtuous
woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no
need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Proverbs
31:10-12 (AMP): 10 A capable, intelligent,
and virtuous woman -- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious
than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes
in her securely, so that he has no lack of (honest) gain or need of (dishonest)
spoil.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life
within her.
Thoughts for the Day:
These verses
from Proverbs ask the
question, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" The next verses and the
remainder of this chapter proceed with giving a description of this incredible
woman. King Lemuel's mother apparently was a good woman herself, and advised him
in regard to choosing a good mate. The first thing that is established is the
price of a virtuous woman, and according to verse 10,
her price is far above jewels like rubies; so who can find such a valuable
woman? I believe every man needs God's help to find this kind of woman. If
a man prays, and asks God to send him the right mate and partner, so that they
can serve God together in this life, God is delighted to answer this
petition. Finding this woman happens as a man goes about doing the will of God,
and she is brought into his life at the appointed time, because of God's favor on
his life.
Proverbs 18:22:
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Verse 11
tells us that her husband can trust her completely and he does not have to
impress her with his ability to make money, so he is never tempted to take anything by dishonest gain. She is the kind of woman that loves her husband for
himself, not what he can do for her. Women who marry a man for his money, or for
the security he provides, are not marrying a man for the right motives, because
they are looking to have their needs met, instead of looking to meeting the
needs of their mate. When two people go into a marriage with the idea of
loving and serving the other one, then that marriage will be blessed, because it
is not based on selfishness. We know that it is the Lord's will for people to
have a mate, if they desire one. In the beginning when God created Adam, God
Himself made this statement:
Genesis 2:18
(KJV): "... It is not good that the man should be alone; I will
make him a help meet for him"
"Now the Lord God said, It is not good
(sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him
a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him."
The Lord wants to bring
a mate to those who will ask Him and have the patience to wait for His
choice. Choosing that right person should not be based on our emotions
alone, as many times our emotions need to be cleansed, as they are not
the sign of love. The true definition of love is "God is love."
If God is not in a relationship, it is not true love. What this
world calls love is really lust since it is built on what the other
person does for me, not what I can do for him or her. If the other
person fails to keep up his end of the bargain, a divorce occurs because
the offended mate is no longer pleased. This is the attitude of the
world's so-called "love." God's love loves without receiving back; God's
love is forgiving and patient. God's love is gentle and kind.
Man's emotions are not
a reliable gauge upon which to establish a marriage relationship. We
must know in the Spirit that it is God's will. It is much better to
marry for character than for emotion. Emotions fluctuate; character
doesn't. Emotions are in the soulish realm, and unless the carnal mind
has been renewed, Satan can give us emotions or feelings of love for
someone of his choosing. (If he did not have this in his power, he could
not split up marriages.) "Falling" in love is Satan's way. The
very expression of these words should tell us something. A Christian
should not blindly "fall" into any trap. Love is bigger than simply
falling for someone. Certainly, the Lord gives us a wonderful emotional
feeling for the one we are to marry. However, this "feeling" without
God's direction can be disastrous, as Satan can tamper with our emotions
and feelings, too.
Marriage, in a
Christian's life, should be based on a decision directed by the Holy
Spirit. A Christian's love for another is a commitment. Of course, the
Lord will supply the emotions for the mate He sends, but that should not
be the criterion for making the decision to marry. The Lord should be
sought, and whatever He speaks to us, we should do. He knows the future
and what is best for us. If we trust Him, He will not fail us in this or
any other important area. Women or men who allow emotions to rule them
will never be victorious Christians. Emotions should always follow,
never lead.
The Lord wants to bless
marriage unions and see His plans fulfilled in both mates' lives. What a
glorious plan He had from the beginning for both male and female. We can
trust Him in this important decision. If we will totally commit to do
His will, we will never be disappointed in the one He sends into our
lives. A man who finds that virtuous woman will find she is a woman of
character, as Proverbs 31:12 says, she will be a comfort to her
husband by encouraging him and doing him good all the days of her life,
as she will never leave him or divorce him.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending me a wonderful husband. Let me always be a good and
virtuous woman to him. Lord, I pray for all those who are seeking mates, that You
will send them the right one for their lives. I also lift up those who have
troubled marriages and I ask that You heal them and restore that first love in
their hearts for each other. Give them Your Love for each other. Help them
overcome selfishness, and heal each of them from the wounds that they have
inflicted on one another by their angry and hurtful words. You are the God
of miracles, perform a miracle for those who need one in their marriages.
I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
