“Instead, (your beauty) should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.”
One of Satan's greatest triumphs is to break up a marriage. This strategy has been part of the disharmony since the Garden of Eden. Harmony in the home was disrupted when blame was introduced.
One of the greatest complaints that husbands have against their wives is the use of the tongue. Nagging, put downs, comparisons, and angry words become a barrier to any relationship. One man said, "I wish my wife wouldn't compare me to other men." That would go for both genders. To do that is tearing down your spouse and building someone else up.
The tongue can also be used of the Holy Spirit to bring harmony in the home. Wives praise your husbands; tell him what you admire in him; be devoted to him; encourage him. It is with gentleness and kindness that someone is made beautiful in God’s eyes. God honors those who are humble, not proud and arrogant toward their husbands. It is hard to live with someone who wants to pick a fight about everything.
I should add in the context of being a witness for Jesus at home some try to influence their unsaved husband in very manipulative manners. I knew a lady that hated it when her husband would go to a bar. She decided instead of being home for him she would smother herself in Christian activities to get back at him for going to the bar. She wanted to let him see how he liked it when she was gone all the time. Her religion was another weapon in her arsenal, waging war against him.
Some will play their religious radio programs or T.V. programs so loud that dear ol' dad is bound to hear it, in the hopes of getting him saved. They will leave literature all over and religious books so their unsaved spouses trip over them. What do you think that does to the men? It makes them more determined than ever to stay away.
The Bible has a much better way of going about it. It is with a gentle spirit that is full of love for your husband. Be the best wife you can be and in all matters that relates to you, be at peace with your husband so he will see your character and God will then speak to him. You do your job, keep praying, and let God work through you to draw Him to Jeus Christ.
Application: You must make a choice that your relationship with your husband is your priority next to God.
Prayer: Father, today help me to find ways to affirm my husband and tell him what I admire in him. I want to be devoted to him and pray for him to be all You have designed him to be.
