How does Proverbs 31:11 encourage trust in a marital relationship today? Opening the text “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value.” (Proverbs 31:11) What the verse shows • Trust is portrayed as wholehearted: “The heart of her husband trusts.” • The fruit of that trust is abundance: “he will lack nothing of value.” • God presents trust not as optional but essential in marriage. Why trust matters in marriage • It reflects God’s design (Genesis 2:24): two become one; distrust divides what God joins. • It mirrors Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:25-32). A marriage marked by trust proclaims the gospel. • It safeguards hearts from fear (1 John 4:18). Where love and trust reign, fear is driven out. Cultivating trust today 1. Reliability – Keep your word (Matthew 5:37). – Handle money transparently; shared stewardship echoes the “lack nothing” promise. 2. Integrity – Walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Hidden sin erodes confidence. – Speak truth with grace (Ephesians 4:25). 3. Honor – Build up, never belittle (Proverbs 12:4; 31:28). – Guard your spouse’s reputation when apart; praise publicly, correct privately. 4. Partnership – Plan together; decisions made jointly confirm that “heart-level” trust. – Pray together; inviting God into every matter deepens mutual dependence on Him. Practical takeaways • Trust is planted by consistency, watered by transparency, and harvested in security. • A trustworthy spouse becomes a living testimony that God’s Word is true and good. • When both husband and wife pursue trustworthiness, the “lack nothing of value” expands from material sufficiency to emotional and spiritual richness. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 20:6 – “Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?” • 1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands are called to dwell with their wives “with understanding… so that your prayers will not be hindered.” Trust fuels prayer. • Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Harshness crushes trust; love cushions it. Proverbs 31:11 invites every couple to make trust the heartbeat of their home, confident that God still rewards such faithfulness with blessing that leaves nothing of value missing. |