4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Proverbs 12:4 (NLT): “A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The verse for today is from a guy’s perspective. If Proverbs had been written by a woman, it would have said, “A worthy husband is a crown for his wife, but a disgraceful husband is like cancer in her bones.”
I suspect that you realize that many marriages end in divorce, and many that remain intact feel like their spouses are “like cancer in (their) bones.”
That is so sad, especially because Ephesians 5:22-33 tells us that our marriages illustrate the Gospel to a lost world. Our marriages should reveal how Jesus sacrificially loves us, and we trust and respect Him so much that we gladly follow his leadership.
A marriage that has any “cancer” in it is doing harm to the Gospel!
As a follower of Jesus, we don’t have the luxury of coasting in our marriage. It takes work. It takes sacrifice. It takes humility. It takes communication (talking AND listening). It takes God’s Word. It takes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
All of this and more is required to have the kind of marriage that shows a lost world the Gospel. But, if we do the work as God blesses, we will realize that we benefit. We will see that our spouse will be “(our) crown.” That means that it will give us value and happiness (among other benefits).
So, NEVER, EVER use the “D” word in your marriage. Divorce is simply not an option for Kim and me. I’ve told her that if she ever leaves me, I’m going with her.
Instead, do the hard work of marriage-building. God will be glorified, the Gospel will be illustrated, and it will add to your happiness.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 
Loved your post. Beautifully explained. My husband and I are in the separation phase. It’s as if I was meant to read this blog. Very inspiring. Marriage is definitely hard work. Admire your commitment and persistence to go through anything and everything together.
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I’m so sorry about your current circumstance. I will pray for you and your husband.
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