Proverbs 21: Walking the path

Yesterday we spent just a little time looking over the verses from this chapter that discuss 'the wicked'. Today lets look through some of the verses that discuss the opposite.

As we study today, imagine your husband as Christian in Pilgrim's Progress. Every day, our husbands are out there, walking the narrow road. We all are trying to walk that road but I think it must be so hard for anyone that works outside the home. There are so many other distractions that get in the path. (Of course, there are plenty within the home but we won't get into that in this discussion.)

8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.

16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Did you know that we are helpmates to our husbands? We are supposed to help our husband's as we walk the journey together. That's what we women were created for. It says so right in Genesis. I have never seen a comment on that verse more beautiful than Matthew Henry's commentary:
‘Not made out of his head to top him, not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.’

I think too often, especially in modern times, we don't take our God-given job seriously. And that is sad. In fact, it pretty much is why sin is in the world today, isn't it? I have really enjoyed this study this week, and I've been combing the net for husband/wife type ideas, etc. Today, instead of giving you one thing to do I am going to give you a list of ideas to help you become a better helpmate for your husband. Hey! It's the weekend....you need extra homework. *grin*  These are not just spiritual things. These are things to make life easier for your husband. Because that is YOUR job. My prayer is that you will examine yourself as you look over these; find room for improvement; and act on it. (compiled from several internet resources but mostly from AProverbsWife.com):

1. Be willing to talk and listen. Ask him if there is anything that you can do differently to make his life easier.
2. Be organized.
3. Save energy for him.
4. Put him first. Even over children! This includes putting his work and goals above your own. (ouch on that goal thing)
5. Always talk positive of him; especially in front of your children.
6. Re-examine what you are involved in. Do they glorify your husband? Ask him to guide you on what you devote your time to. (ouch.)
7. Encourage your husband to use his spiritual gifts.