Dating 101: Character

What is Character?

Why Does Character matter in a relationship?

Proverbs 31:10–31 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

the age old question of every guy

An excellent wife who can find them?

The wrong kind of women can ruin us

They can drain us of our strength… And finances

“The Wise women builds her house, the foolish one tears it down

4 things a good wife will do for you

For us guys an excellent wife contributes to our success (11)

Opening Up Proverbs An Excellent Wife Will Contribute to Your Success (v. 10)

She is a strong woman who will strengthen you. The Hebrew word translated ‘excellent’ (or ‘virtuous’) is the same word translated ‘strength’ in verse 3. This word was also used of valiant warriors. The ‘weaker sex’ is not weak in every sense. Such a woman is a rare and valuable gift from God (18:22; 19:14). Just as God made Eve from the flesh of Adam, only God can create a woman like this for you. Just as the young man is exhorted to search for wisdom, so he should earnestly search out a woman like this, not settling for less

She is trustworthy (11-12)

Opening Up Proverbs She Is Trustworthy (v. 11a)

You can trust her faithfulness to your marriage vows. She is not flirtatious or immodest. When you go out of town, you don’t have to worry that she will be with another man (7:19). You can trust her with your reputation. She will bear your name with dignity. She will not gossip or reveal your secrets to others. You can trust her with your money (and your credit cards). She won’t spend you into debt. You can trust her oversight of your children and household.

She is an asset (11b:-12)

Opening Up Proverbs She Is an Asset (vv. 11b–12)

The virtuous woman devotes herself to assisting her husband in every way she can, particularly in the domestic realm. Such a husband is richly blessed. I have seen many a man greatly improved by marriage to the right woman. She consistently does him good ‘all the days of her life’ (v. 12b). She doesn’t let difficult circumstances or her ‘time of the month’ prevent her from doing good. She treats her husband better than he deserves because she does it ultimately for the Lord.

She enhances your standing in the community (23)

Opening Up Proverbs She Enhances Your Standing in the Community (v. 23)

The husband’s status is mentioned in this chapter about the excellent wife because he wouldn’t be where he is in life without her. Because his home is well run, he is able to put his full energy into pursuing success in his vocation. She also serves as a trusted advisor and confidante, helping him to manage his business or career. The man who aspires to be a leader in the church needs a wife like this. A wise old preacher once told his son, ‘Your wife will make you or break you in the ministry.’