Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 5:18

by David Chadwick

“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.”

Proverbs 5:18

This week, as we continue to look at some of the many proverbs that teach us how to live a righteous, godly, and successful life, we are going to focus specifically on some of the qualities of a godly wife.

Proverbs 5:18 says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.”

There seem to be two major directives here. Let’s take a look at them together.

First, “Let your fountain be blessed.” This implies that the love that a husband has for his wife is worthy of blessing. There is an overwhelming, almost intoxicating love that a husband is to have for a godly wife. It can also imply the fountain of love that produces children is a large blessing as well.

There is nothing better than a home where deep love exists between husband and wife, one that increases year to year. This kind of love produces an environment of grace, which allows kids to grow up in a healthy home and be raised as Christ followers.

If a man’s life is a fountain, finding a Godly wife makes that fountain blessed and fruitful in every possible way.

Secondly, this verse seems to imply that husbands should regularly rejoice in the wife of their youth. This immediately speaks to the gift of a long-term marriage! One that lasts for decades. Where in old age, a man can reflect and rejoice in the wife of his youth. Where memories are shared and make each other laugh. Where love only grows with each passing year.

I most certainly have such a wife. I have such a marriage. And I celebrate with her an almost half-decade-long marriage, with a “fountain” of three kids and 12 grandkids; I am truly a blessed man. I am so thankful to be married to this kind of woman!

For you women out there, seek to be this kind of wife. And for you men out there, seek to be the kind of man who finds a wife in whom you can rejoice. Study God’s Word and follow along with me this week as we learn about five attributes of a godly wife found in the book of Proverbs.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Mighty Men and Women of Valor

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Who can find a woman of valor...”

Proverbs 31:10 OJB

“The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

Judges 6:12 ESV

In this series, we caught a glimpse into the heart of the Queen Mother (Proverbs 31:1-9) as she fervently prayed for her son who would one day be king. We saw this same heart displayed by Queen Margaret of Scotland as she prayed for and trained her own children, some who also became kings during the 11th century.

But here’s a startling truth: If we believe in Jesus, we are sons and daughters who are a royal priesthood. Royalty is no longer reserved for priests and kings or those born into royal lineage. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are part of God’s royal family. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

Yes, we are God’s royal priesthood. Citizens of a kingdom not of this world—a kingdom that dwells in our heart. As we live in that newness of life, our good works bring glory to God. “Dear friends, I urge you… Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God...” (1 Peter 2:11,12). God sees within each of us the courage and strength he put there.

Let’s look at how the Bible portrays a man named Gideon. The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12 ESV). God called Gideon to save all of Israel during one of the darkest times in their history. And yet, Gideon felt afraid and utterly without strength. His own family was a mess. “How can I save Israel?” he cried out to God. “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” God replied, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14,15 NIV).

Maybe you struggle with inadequacy and fear like Gideon did. Perhaps God is whispering to you right at this moment as he whispered to Gideon: "The Lord is with you mighty warrior, man or woman of valor. And because I am with you, you will have strength to prevail!” God’s words to us are the same words he spoke to Gideon. “Because I am with you, you will defeat your enemies.”

Let’s dare to learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom. Now, more than ever, our world needs courageous men and women of valor who are willing to boldly carry God’s love into a broken world. There is a place—a household and a community somewhere—that desperately needs your love. There is a cause that has your name on it. Our greatest mission is to reach the world for Christ. Let us become men and women of valor who dare to do something courageous for God. Perhaps we’ll discover unexpected courage as we step out in faith to give life to others.

Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick.

Click here to order your copy today!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:8,9 - The Real Princess Diaries, Part 2

by Marilynn Chadwick

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8,9 NIV

Continued from yesterday…

Just as the Queen Mother in Proverbs 31 diligently instructed and prayed for her son that would be king, Queen Margaret of Scotland taught her own sons in 11th century Scotland. So respected was Margaret for her wisdom that King Malcolm placed her in charge of all Scotland’s domestic affairs. She was often consulted on other state matters as well. Malcolm could neither read nor write, so Margaret read him stories from the Bible. Her example had an impact on Malcolm's entire reign, helping him become known as the “just ruler.” Together they prayed, fed the hungry, and served the needy.

Margaret had a heart for Scotland’s poor, showing special kindness to orphans. She fed the hungry every morning in the castle, even before she had her own breakfast. She was also known for her deep life of prayer, rising early for prayer and reading the Bible with King Malcom.

Margaret worked to strengthen the church in Scotland and helped change areas that needed reform. She also encouraged ordinary Scottish people to live as faithful Christians, emphasizing prayer and a holy lifestyle.

Margaret helped bring a more refined culture to the somewhat barbaric Scotland of the 11th century. She promoted the arts and education and encouraged traders from other lands to bring beautiful articles of clothing and furniture to the people. She even introduced the tartan plaids, the distinctive costume for which the Scots are known.

Biographers depict Queen Margaret as a strong, pure, noble character, who had great influence over her husband, and through him over Scottish history, especially in the area of reforming the church. Some called her “The Pearl of Scotland.” In 1250, Pope Innocent IV canonized Margaret as a Saint, acknowledging her life of holiness and extraordinary virtue.

When we consider Queen Margaret’s vast service to Scotland, we should also notice the impact she had on her eight children. Besides educating them, she instilled a strength of faith and character that set the foundation for three of her six sons to become Scottish kings during what was known as Scotland’s “Golden Era.” As she did with King Malcolm, she is said to have influenced her sons to become just and holy rulers.

Queen Margaret was born into royalty—not what you would call an ordinary woman. But she shows what can happen when a woman of great influence chooses to use her position to accomplish God’s purposes.

Strong in faith, kind to the poor, wise in matters of culture and trade, devoted to her family, Queen Margaret of Scotland gives us an example of true nobility. Her life of daily abiding in Christ and giving her life away to others influenced her husband and children, as well as all of Scotland. Who can measure the impact on all of Christendom, because of the life of this one Woman of Valor?

Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick.

Click here to order your copy today!