Today’s post comes from one of our favorite ladies, Lorraine Strohbehn (Brenda’s mom)! Though she has lost much of her vision, Lorraine has an ongoing monthly ministry of encouragement to over thirty widows. Her posts on Petals from the Basket, which can be found in the “Ask Grandma” and “Thoughts from Grandma” categories, are reader favorites!
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Last year, I memorized much of Proverbs 22, 23, and 24. This was the passage my husband had used for his book The Words of the Wise. This year, my son and I are reviewing those passages, and we recently focused on Proverbs 24:3–4: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Wisdom
A couple with marriage in mind should implore wisdom as they choose a lifetime companion. I recommend that you ask yourself these four questions: First, is he or she a believer who is continuing to grow spiritually? Next, do you like that person? Can you respect the other person? Finally, do you love that person with a First Corinthians 13 love? If you can answer yes to these, you are ready to proceed toward marriage.
With my sweet mama, whom I love and admire!
Understanding
Recognizing marriage to one another as God’s will for your lives, you can work together to create a foundation based on loving the Lord, loving each other, and loving others. Your similarities will create a bond between you (understanding), and your relationship will be strengthened by your inevitable differences.
Knowledge
When it comes to establishing your home, consider your needs and the testimony you desire your home to have and then choose your household furnishings accordingly. In his premarital counseling with couples, my husband often advised them not to spend money they didn’t have to buy things they didn’t need to impress people they didn’t know. I believe that buying a good quality item (with no intention to replace it) demonstrates knowledge and wise planning.
Lord, use these principles of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to establish homes that reflect the perfect love we receive from You!
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