2. Wisdom in Choosing a Spouse

3. Introduction The value of Proverbs is it provides a guide inspired by God for how to live life –Family –Business –Social –Spiritual We will begin with a few lessons on family relationships –Starting with selecting a spouse

4. Making the Right Choice Prov 12:4 –Much happiness in life depends on making the right choice A good choice enhances life A bad choice can ruin you –Don’t think if you make a bad choice you can pick again God hates divorce (Mal 2:16)

5. Finding a Good Spouse Prov 19:14 –Seek help from God A life-long decision with effects on you and your children Prov 31:30 –Don’t be overly concerned with looks and charm Beauty will pass away, but you’ll still be married Charm can be faked –Make finding a Christian (one who fears the Lord) your number one priority You may convert a non-believer, or they may turn you, or you may have life-long friction

6. Finding a Good Spouse Prov 11:22 –Find a spouse with discretion “Discretion is the ability to do the right thing at the right time” Literally the word is “taste” Even if the woman is gorgeous, if she is always saying or doing the wrong thing, look elsewhere for a mate

7. Finding a Good Spouse Prov 14:1 –Find a spouse who has wisdom One who bases their actions on the teachings in the Bible –Such a spouse will help you build a house –Avoid the foolish Anyone who refuses to follow the wisdom of God’s word –Will end up tearing the house down

8. Finding a Good Spouse Prov 19:13 –Avoid marrying someone who is argumentative It’ll be like a continually dripping Prov 27:15-16 –Trying to get such a person to stop will be like trying to stop the wind or grab a handful of oil Prov 21:9, 19 –Perhaps Solomon had more than his share of contentious and angry wives

9. Finding a Good Spouse Prov 18:22 –Finding the right mate is a wonderful blessing Better to be patient while looking than to rush and make a bad choice How can we tell someone’s basic character before marrying them?

10. Identifying character Prov 12:10 –How does he/she treat animals? Prov 12:15 –Does he/she listen to advice? Prov 13:20 –What sort of friends does he/she have? Prov 14:29 –Is he/she hot-tempered?

11. Identifying character Prov 15:27 –How concerned is he/she with getting rich? Prov 17:27-28 –Does he/she feel compelled to always give an opinion? Prov 21:13 –How does he/she treat the poor? Ask yourself what character others see in you

12. Others to avoid The flirt –Prov 6:24-28 The angry –Prov 22:24-25 The drinker –Prov 23:29-30

13. Conclusion This was not an exhaustive study of all Proverbs has to say about choosing a spouse –Perhaps it will get you interested in studying more Next lesson we will look at what Proverbs says about BEING a good spouse