Whoever finds a wife finds good, and receives favor from ADONAI [the LORD]. Proverbs 18:22, TLV
God’s Favor for a Husband? If you are single, you may think this is a blink* proverb, however, if you are mentoring young people, or young marrieds, or younger marrieds, this proverb is an excellent resource for wise counsel. You never know when God will use you.
The Tree of Life Version’s (TLV) translation of this proverb is interesting. The verse extols the virtue of simply finding a wife. Not finding a good wife, or prudent wife, or wise wife. Perhaps, our Heavenly Father gives favor to His sons when they marry so that they might be good spouses and fathers.
There’s a beautiful quote by Matthew Henry**, an English non-conformist clergyman of the 17th Century. Henry’s well-known Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708–1710) is a commentary of a practical and devotional rather than of a critical kind, covering the whole of the Old Testament, and the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament. He said:
“Be careful if you make a women cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man’s ribs. Not from his feet to be walked on, not from his head to be superior, but from his side to be equal, under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved.”
God’s favor provides a well of knowledge, wisdom, discernment,
and understanding for men to draw from. Men can drink from that well anytime, every day. As well as women.
The favor God gives man can also represent Henry’s point-of-view — that unique perspective of how to bless their wife. To look upon them as one to protect and be a helpmate in life. Which seems to fall in line with Ephesians 5:21-33, especially verse 33:
In any case, let each of you love his own wife as himself, and let the wife respect her husband.
Will there be conflict? You bet! That’s the nature of growth. A seed must “die” in order to grow. A vine must be pruned harshly to produce fruit. Men and women will spark as they become one — yet the man uniquely male and the woman uniquely female.
I think this is a perfect example of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).
My husband is the perfect mate for me. The Creator of the Universe called us to be one, (Think about that one!) and for 50 years, He has been showing us how to walk that out. Every day.
Think More About It
Have you seen favor in your life? In other’s lives? How has that helped your wisdom journey?
Until tomorrow, may we all partake of the well of wisdom, my friends.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
A broken and a contrite heart, O God,
You will not despise.
In Your favor do good to Zion.
Build up the walls of Jerusalem. Psalm 51:19:20, TLV
Sometimes, we just need to do spiritual housecleaning. To inspect those parts of our heart that have become soiled by life and circumstances. Let’s pray for Israel—and for ourselves—to clean out the hatred and disappointment and need for revenge. May our Heavenly Father grant us favor to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Amen? Chag Semeach and God bless.
*A “blink” verse or passage are Bible verses that we tend to blink past. Either not really reading or because it’s confusing we ignore it and more on. Thanks to Dr. Raleigh Washington (co-creator of Promise Keepers and Road to Jerusalem) for coining this term.
**Matthew Henry, Born October 18, 1662, Died June 22, 1714
