THE PRUDENT WIFE
"...and a prudent wife is from the LORD." Prow 19:14b
Encouragement for Ladies by Vicki Dowell
"Kissin Cousin"
Gen. 24:2-4 "And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over a/I that had, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh.* And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." God indeed told Abraham to ‘keep it in the family* in verse 7. Abraham had done it himself already when he married his half-sister. Gen. 20.12 "And yet indeed she is my sister, she is the daughter of my father~ but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife." Even Jacob did it (by his father*s instructions) when he sought a bride. Gen. 28:1-2 "And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother*s father, and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother*ic brother." The point I want to make is that God*s law, given in Numbers 3 6:5-9, for Israel was that they not marry outside their tribe in order to preserve their family*s inheritance. The Lord repeatedly scolded Israel for taking "strange wives." They led them into idolatry.
Now, we understand that we Gentiles live in the dispensation of grace and that we are not under the law. But we can find a principle of safety in marrying within our own beliefs. The scriptures prod us to be of the same mind in 1 Cord 1:10 and Phil 4:2, the same love in Phil. 2:2, the same rule and the same thing in Phil. 3.16. We are told to be like-minded in Rom. 15:5 and Phil. 2.2. These attributes are especially helpful in a marriage relationship. I*ve heard testimonies from friends who long for mutual faith with their spouses. I know the conflict that comes within families when some understand right division and others won*t. There is a desire for sweet fellowship in the common bond of the Word of God. Being in agreement with your mate is truly a precious treasure. Those of us who enjoy it are mighty thankful!
Posted By Brother Love
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