S) "4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones."
Proverbs 12:4 (NASB)
O) Initially, I had mixed feelings about this verse. I think I was mistakenly reminded of the concept of the trophy wife. Like, that an excellent wife would be something a husband would display to others... it is a mistake, however, to think this verse is about a man's wife being, excellent though she may be, something he adorns to make himself look good. I decided to do a search for the appearance of the word "crown" in the Bible. In the eight instances where a crown was taken (taken for himself, or taken from him), all instances were negative. In the 31 instances where a crown was given (whether literally, or figuratively), it was a positive result. In most of those positive examples, the crown given had to do with a defining symbolism. It was almost always given by the LORD, and when it was, it defined the identity of that person (whether figuratively, or literally). When viewed in contrast to the wife who shames her husband, which has an internalized, private result, the crown that she is can be seen as an internalized, private prize.
A) It is a mistake for me to objectify my wife (or any person, regardless of relationship or gender). But, that's not what this verse is saying. I should see my wife as a gift; she should define me, when seen through the context of grace through Christ. I am incredibly thankful, that I have never known the anguish of a wife who shames me. My wife is excellent, but that has nothing to do with me. It is purely the grace of God working in her, and the grace of God that we were brought together, and the grace of God that our marriage thrives. So, the crown that she is, isn't something I wear in arrogance, but in humility. I cherish my wife, as a defining part of who I am, not what I have.
A) It is a mistake for me to objectify my wife (or any person, regardless of relationship or gender). But, that's not what this verse is saying. I should see my wife as a gift; she should define me, when seen through the context of grace through Christ. I am incredibly thankful, that I have never known the anguish of a wife who shames me. My wife is excellent, but that has nothing to do with me. It is purely the grace of God working in her, and the grace of God that we were brought together, and the grace of God that our marriage thrives. So, the crown that she is, isn't something I wear in arrogance, but in humility. I cherish my wife, as a defining part of who I am, not what I have.
P) Father, I am so grateful for the grace You have worked, and continue to work, in my life. It is humbling, every time I see Your grace in a new light. Help me to embrace my wife as the blessing she is. Help me recognize her as a defining part of myself, given in grace. Please keep me from ever objectifying her. Thank You for the blessing You have given us, in our marriage, in each other, in You. Help us to walk in a manner worthy of this grace, to the glory of Your Name. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment