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Sermon Introduction

Every man and woman must grow in wisdom. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness and ignorance. Who would want to be foolish and ignorant? Surprisingly, some would. Others think they are wise but live like fools.

Every marriage must grow in wisdom. Who would want a foolish and ignorant marriage? Surprisingly, many start marriages loaded with foolishness and devoid of knowledge. But the good news is that we can turn to the Holy Scriptures filled with God’s wisdom.

Doy Sto. Domingo Elder

Proverbs 1:7 NASB

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 5:18-20 NASB

18 Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 Like a loving doe and a graceful mountain goat,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.
20 For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress,
And embrace the breasts of a foreigner?

Proverbs 12:8 NASB

8 A person will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.

Proverbs 31:23 NASB

23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 12:4 NASB

4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 21:19 NASB

19 It is better to live in a desert land
than with a contentious and irritating woman.

Proverbs 19:14 NASB

14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Notes

Every man and woman must grow in wisdom. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness and ignorance. Who would want to be foolish and ignorant? Surprisingly, some would. Others think they are wise but live like fools.

Every marriage must grow in wisdom. Who would want a foolish and ignorant marriage? Surprisingly, many start marriages loaded with foolishness and devoid of knowledge. But the good news is that we can turn to the Holy Scriptures filled with God’s wisdom.

1. Attention: Husbands

   1. Be faithful to your wife. Do not chase the adulterous woman (5:18-20).

   2. Gain wisdom and be prepared to share insights (12:8).

   3. Grow in stature and respect (31:23). 

2. Attention: Wives

   1. Do not shame your husband, especially in public (12:4).

   2. Do not constantly quarrel for that pushes him away (21:19).

   3. Be wise and prudent in everything, especially the handling of money (19:14).

The Holy Scriptures serve as the mirror of our souls. Let us celebrate the wisdom that God gives. But let us also live it by facing our weaknesses. No one is perfect, but not everyone can face their own imperfections. Not everyone is willing to admit personal faults. They would rather blame the spouse.

If you prefer to blame than self-evaluate, then we pity your spouse, because it would be difficult to live with you. May the grace of God abound in him or her. As for you, may you learn the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (1:7). It is the greatest motivation to change. The book of Proverbs repeats the theme of the fear of the Lord many times. Those who do not fear the Lord wallow in foolishness and ignorance.

Therefore, every individual and every marriage must learn to fear the Lord. May the marriages in our church grow in wisdom, which also means, increase in the fear of God.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What should the faithful husband avoid?

2. Why should a man share wise insights? How does this help a marriage?

3. In what ways can men grow in stature and respect?

4. What should wives avoid especially in public?

5. Why should wives avoid quarreling with their husbands?

6. How can a wife be considered a gift from the Lord?