Confirmation of Essay #6 in Proverbs

It is worthwhile to see in Scripture how the word of God describes what constitutes a good marriage. In Proverbs chapter 31, advice is given to one of the Jewish kings by his mother, confirming what must be done to be a good husband and what constitutes a good and capable wife.   King Lemuel's mother says to him:

•   Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed Kings.
•   Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.
•   When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of the people in need.
•   Finding a capable wife is worth far more than jewels!
•   Put your confidence in her, and you will never be poor.

The capable wife:
•   As long as she lives, she does her husband good and never harm.
•   She speaks with a gentle wisdom.
•   She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.
•   She provides food and clothing for her family.
•   Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.
•   She is a hard worker, strong and industrious.
•   She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.
•   Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens.
•   She is generous to the poor and needy.
•   She knows that charm is deceptive and beauty disappears.
•   But a woman who honors the Lord should be praised.
•   She should be given credit for all she does.
•   She deserves the respect of everyone.

I have taken some liberties in making minor changes and omissions in the original text of the Proverb without, I hope, altering the original meaning.  Thanks go to Ervin of Team Sarah who suggested my connecting with this proverb which so beautifully describes the mutual respect a husband and wife must have for one another to make their marriage successful and productive in God's Kingdom on earth.