How does Proverbs 18:22 define the value of finding a wife? The Core Verse “ He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22) What “a Good Thing” Looks Like • A gift, not a burden—marriage is framed as a blessing to be treasured, not merely tolerated (cf. Proverbs 19:14). • Completes what was “not good” in man’s solitude (Genesis 2:18)—husband and wife complement, sharpen, and encourage one another. • Provides companionship for life’s journey (Ecclesiastes 9:9)—shared joys, shared sorrows, shared purpose. • Offers a context for godly offspring and discipleship (Malachi 2:15). “Obtains Favor from the LORD” — What Kind of Favor? • A tangible sign of God’s kindness: marriage rests on divine approval (Hebrews 13:4). • Strength and help for living righteously: “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). • A built-in avenue for sanctification as spouses learn Christ-like love, sacrifice, forgiveness (Ephesians 5:25–33). • Multiplication of blessing: a wife’s wisdom and diligence enrich her household (Proverbs 31:10–12, 27–29). Why God Honored Marriage from the Beginning 1. Reflects His own relational nature—Father, Son, Spirit in eternal fellowship. 2. Mirrors Christ’s covenant with the church (Ephesians 5:31–32). 3. Establishes the foundational unit of society, where faith and virtue are first taught (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Practical Takeaways for Today • View marriage as divine favor; gratitude fuels faithfulness. • Seek a spouse with the same reverence for God’s Word; spiritual unity fosters lasting joy (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Invest intentionally—time, affection, prayer, shared service. A “good thing” thrives when nourished. • Honor the covenant publicly and privately; your marriage preaches the gospel to watching eyes. Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth • Proverbs 12:4 — “A virtuous wife is the crown of her husband.” • Proverbs 31:30 — “A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” • Genesis 2:24 — “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife.” • Matthew 19:6 — “What God has joined together, let man not separate.” |
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