Choosing Honor Over Shame

“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who brings shame is as rottenness in his bones.” Proverbs 12:4 MEV

I’ve witnessed many conversations between husbands and wives throughout the course of my life. Some have been pleasant while others have been, well, not so pleasant. Some that I have witnessed have been just down right embarrassing.  And I have had my share of “not so pleasant” and “embarrassing” conversations in my own marriage. Maybe you can relate?

As I have witnessed these conversations with other couples over the years, I’ve realized that God uses them as a reflection to convict me of how I react and conduct myself towards my husband. Often during these moments, God whispers to my heart. He tells me things like, “This is what you do and I never intended it to be this way”, or “It breaks my heart when you act like this.”

Our key verse gives us some insight into how we should conduct ourselves, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who brings shame is as rottenness in his bones.” Proverbs 12:4

What do you think of when you think of a crown being placed on someone’s head? I think of respect, royalty, honor, strength, and dignity.

In everything we do, we should be an example to others that they should honor and respect our man. Sweet friend, we can’t do that if we don’t honor and respect him ourselves.

I love the way the New Living Translation says it, “A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

Wow! The NLT translation really puts it in perspective for me. What does cancer ultimately do? Cancer destroys.

I don’t want to destroy the precious gift that God has given me. Yet, sometimes I do.

And if sometimes you do too, let’s decide right now that we want to choose the path of honor and respect over destruction and shame.


God,

Thank you for giving me a mirror at times through others to see how I am talking to and treating my husband in a way that isn’t pleasing to you. Forgive me of all the times that I haven’t shown honor and respect. I thank you for the gift of my husband that you have given to me. Help me to honor and respect him more and more each day. Help me to focus more on what truly matters. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Dig Deeper:

“Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.” Proverbs 31:10-11 CSB


Reflection:

What can you do today to honor your spouse?