Are you a virtuous person?
TODAY’S PROVERB: A virtuous wife is her husband’s crown, but a dishonoring one is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4
If you’re not currently a wife, may I encourage you to continue?
Let’s begin by defining the word virtuous. A virtuous person is someone who conforms to a standard of right — to be moral. There, that’s not so different for anyone — man or woman.
Having said that, being a husband or wife is a crash course in learning how to live a virtuous life. For nearly 45 years, I’ve learned what it means to be a virtuous wife. Truth be told, I’m still learning — every single day.
Each day I must choose to honor my husband with my mind, my words, my actions, and with my body.
I wish I could say that I learned what I know by reading the Scriptures and practicing them. Many of my lessons were hard won by making mistakes. But, we both have.
Here are a few of those lessons for all of us:
Where is GOD taking ME with this?
- There’s no such thing as winning an argument.
- Forgiveness is a choice, not a reward.
- Unless the last words of an argument are “I love you,” don’t try to get in the last word.
- Any hurtful words that slice a heart, will cut away at trust.
- Reckless words peppered in a conversation will eat away at trust.
- Any words that keep the embers of division alive are sinful.
- Seasoning our words with love and respect will plant seeds that will produce a plentiful harvest.
- Don’t go to sleep while angry — work it out with the other person, and/or with God.
- Timing is everything. Pay attention to God’s timing when to speak and when to be silent.
- See the wonder in your spouse/brothers and sisters in Messiah. Ask God for His eyes when He looks at them.
Unity is no joke. Whether as husband and wife or as our Heavenly Father’s children, or both, learning to be one isn’t easy, but, dear friends, it’s worth it.
May we live virtuous lives, my friends.
Proverbs 12:4 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
