Proverbs - Respect Begins at Home

Proverbs 31:23

Her husband is known in the gates,

when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

This husband has the mind to judge matters for the city.  He is respected and people come to him to make decisions.  The virtuous woman gives him the respect that is due his position.  When a man is respected and listened to at home, he gains the identity of one who is to be respected and listened to outside the home.  Ladies, when was the last time you asked your husband for his advice, took it and went back and affirmed him in it?  When was the last time you gave his advice to someone else and gave him credit for it?  If we want our husbands to grow in their ability to make good decisions, let us reverence them and follow their lead.  We are created to do them good.  We will contribute to their character as we listen to them and give them the respect God tells us to give them.  Then, they will be known by others as one who is to be respected. 

Proverbs - Man Looks on the Outward

Proverbs 31:22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Man Looks On the Outward

A virtuous woman is attentive to her appearance.  She is resourceful and can put things together in such a way that she is not always having to buy the latest trends.  Here, she makes these clothes herself.  She does not rely on a better financial situation to look her best.  She can go to thrift stores, yard sales and really good sales.  She clothes herself in such a way that she presents herself as someone her husband loves to look at.  Taking care of your appearance is an act of love to your husband.  Man does look on the outward appearance and he likes to look at a pretty wife.  Seek the Lord in the morning.  Ask Him what you should wear.  He clothes the lilies of the field so beautifully don’t you think He can clothe you as well?  Acknowledge Him in this way.  He will direct your path.

Proverbs - Doing Him Good

Proverbs 31:12

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

                                                                                         Doing Him Good           

We need to not just avoid doing evil to our husbands but seek to do him good every day of our lives.  This means when we are tired or cranky or when we are up and strong.  What a great way to start our day!  We could ask the Lord, “What could I do that is good towards my husband today?”  Does he like the bed made as soon as you wake up?  Does he love a good, hot meal when he gets home?  What is his favorite snack?  Do you have it on hand?  Are his sexual desires being met with joy and willingness?  Has he heard you give him a compliment lately?  Can you run an errand from his list?  Let us do them good and not evil ALL the days of our lives. 

Proverbs - His Heart is Safe

Proverbs 31:11

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,

so that he shall have no need of spoil.

A man’s heart should be able to trust in his wife.  He shouldn’t fear being ridiculed, mocked or deceived.  If he opens up to her he shouldn’t fear these inner struggles will be used against him at a later time.  He shouldn’t fear that she is spending money without his knowledge and he should have a confidence she is seeking to be prudent and cautious with their money.  Does your husband’s heart safely trust in you?  If not, you can rebuild this trust.  Take time to affirm his dreams and visions.  Take note of his weaknesses and cover them in prayer.   Never use these against him.