In what ways can married couples apply Proverbs 18:22 in their relationship? The Verse at a Glance “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22) Key Truths Embedded in the Verse • Marriage is clearly portrayed as “a good thing.” • The union brings “favor from the LORD,” underscoring God’s active pleasure in a husband-and-wife relationship. • The wording is straightforward and literal: husband and wife are both gifts and recipients of divine favor. Receiving One Another as God’s Gift • Begin each day acknowledging aloud, “You are God’s good gift to me.” • Celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and ordinary days as reminders of God’s generosity. • Refuse to compare your spouse with others; comparison devalues the gift God hand-picked for you (James 1:17). Cultivating an Atmosphere of Gratitude • Keep a shared gratitude journal, listing at least one trait or action you appreciate in each other daily. • End the day with a quick exchange: “Today I’m thankful for…” • Verbally thank God together for specific ways you’ve seen His favor in your marriage (Psalm 92:1-2). Pursuing the Lord’s Favor Together • Schedule regular times to read Scripture aloud as a couple (Psalm 119:105). • Pray with and for each other regarding personal needs, goals, and struggles (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Serve in ministry side-by-side; shared obedience deepens awareness of God’s favor (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Honoring and Cherishing Daily • Husbands: love sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25), speak gently (Colossians 3:19), lead by serving. • Wives: respect wholeheartedly (Ephesians 5:33), support his walk with Christ, build him up with words (Proverbs 31:26). • Both: practice quick repentance and quicker forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). Guarding Against Contempt and Complacency • Identify and reject sarcasm or eye-rolling as early signs of contempt. • Schedule periodic “state-of-the-marriage” check-ins to keep small issues from festering (Songs 2:15). • Protect time together from overcrowded calendars and excessive screen use. Living Out God’s Design in Practical Ways • Speak blessings over one another before parting for the day. • Invest in physical affection—hugs, hand-holding, and intentional closeness reinforce that you’re a “good thing” to each other. • Manage money as stewards, not rivals; create a budget that funds generosity and shared dreams (Proverbs 21:5). • Celebrate wins, grieve losses, and make decisions as a united team, signaling to children and friends that your marriage is a top priority. Supporting Scriptures • Genesis 2:18—“It is not good for the man to be alone.” • Genesis 2:24—“They become one flesh.” • Ecclesiastes 9:9—“Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days God has given you.” • 1 Peter 3:7—“Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with understanding… so that your prayers will not be hindered.” • Proverbs 12:4—“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” The Cumulative Impact Consistently treating one another as “a good thing” aligns the marriage with God’s declared favor. Gratitude replaces grumbling, unity strengthens intimacy, and the home becomes a living testimony of the literal truth of Proverbs 18:22. |
    |