Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

On 28 February 1981, Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Willis celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in Groveton, Texas. Family and friends met together to mark this special occasion. Five of the seven children born into this family were present to celebrate the occasion. Some 125-150 guests were present.

The occasion was especially significant to me because Wilhelmenia and Onan J. Willis are my parents. In a generation which is marked with so many problems affecting the home and family, I feel quite privileged to have been reared in the home of two parents with a commitment to each other which has lasted for over fifty years. Many marriages are entered lightly without the commitment which will endure the problems which test any marriage. There are many other families with the same commitment but have seen the marriage severed by death. To have this commitment enhanced by the honor which was given to God, Christ, and the church made this marriage and the home established thereby an especially good environment for us to grow up in. What a privilege we have been given to have Christian parents whose marriage has lasted over 50 years.

Seven children were born to Wilhelmenia and Onan J. Willis. The first three were boys, Homer Cecil, Donald Fred, and Lewis Burton. Then followed two girls, Ouida Jean and Karen Sue. Next I was born, followed by a younger sister named Barbara Madge. As soon as each child reached maturity, each was baptized into Christ, not because of family tradition (so far as I can tell), but because of a faith which was passed down from the parents to the children.

One of the joys which comes with being an editor is the privilege of eulogizing those in one’s family. Our readers are just going to have to bear with me for this week as I pay tribute to two of the most important people on this earth – my mother and my father.

A Stable Home

Some of the things which were most important in my home were things that I have only recently begun to appreciate. For example, I never remember hearing either my mother or my father say to the other, “I am going to get a divorce.” There were times that they did not agree with each other, I am sure. However, their commitment was deep enough to each’ other that they were willing to work through those problems together.

Times were rough financially for everyone in East Texas when my father was raising his family. The depression was far from over when Mother and Dad married. They raised their family through some of the hardest financial situations ever faced in America. My parents were extremely practical. I doubt that they ever wasted much money. The cars which they bought, the clothes which they wore, the house in which we lived, and any other things which they bought were geared to the need. They had little concern with “keeping up with the Jones family.” The principles of thrift which they taught us have been of tremendous benefit to me in raising my own family.

In spite of the severity of economic problems, I remember very few family problems caused by financial arguments. I am sure Mother and Daddy must have disagreed about such matters, but they never developed into major problems. The children were taught to bear their share of the financial obligations. From the time I was small, jobs were given to me for me to do. I fed chickens and gathered eggs, chopped wood, mowed lawns, and worked in a grocery store, not for monetary profit, but to help the family with the work which had to be done to keep it going. I can remember the times when my brothers worked outside the home to help the family buy the things which were needed. I have never resented this, nor have any of my brothers or sisters ever complained about mistreatment at the hands of Mother and Daddy. I am sure that these things drew us together.

“There Every Time The Doors Were Open”

Another aspect of my family life which I remember and treasure highly was the commitment which my parents had to God. From the time that I was small, I can remember going to church. We were one of those families which was there “every time the church doors were opened.” As a matter of fact, many a time my mother or father opened the door, swept the building, prepared the communion, led singing, taught the Bible class, led prayer, or served in whatever other way they had the capacity to serve.

I can never remember engaging in a discussion with my parents regarding whether or not we were going to go to worship services on Sunday evening. I can never remember telling them that I thought I was old enough not to have to go to church. I can never remember them sending me to church with someone else when they were capable of going themselves.

I can remember, however, the nights when my father would come home late from work, quickly eat his supper meal, take a quick bath, and pile all of us into the car to go to services. I can remember the many times when we attended the gospel meetings in the area. I can remember the many gospel preachers who “fought for survival” to get food from our table. I can remember the many occasions when song books were opened at family gatherings and praise was given to God in the living room of our house.

I am sure that each of these things contributed to the spiritual development of the children. Each of us grew up knowing what to do to be saved, the nature of the Lord’s church, God’s laws of morality, and other matters of divine revelation. It surely must have had some strong influence in all four of us boys becoming preachers and in each of the girls becoming and marrying Christians. Whatever sins each of us has committed since becoming a Christian cannot be attributed to ignorance based on the failure of my parents. They thoroughly discharged their responsibility in making sure that we had the opportunities to know God’s revelation.

Discipline When Necessary

Another aspect of my family life which I remember quite well and continue to appreciate is the discipline which was given to me by my parents. By discipline, I mean more than spankings, although there were not a few of them in a home with seven children. I refer more to the training which we received to inspire each of us to do our best. Somehow, my parents were able to encourage us to do our best without making us feel driven. I never remember them nagging me to do homework or the chores which had to be done. Yet, there were few occasions that any of us left these undone.

When spankings were necessary, they were freely administered. I remember quite well a “switch tree” which grew just outside the back door. My mother frequently made us go cut the instrument of our own correction. We were never abused in the spankings which we received. I can never remember getting a spanking just because one of them was having a bad day. I do remember getting one spanking which I did not deserve; as soon as my father realized his error, he came and apologized to me for spanking me. Of course, there were some occasions when I deserved spankings that I did not get, so I had to figure that the scale somewhat balanced itself on that day.

I shall never forget one particular lesson I learned regarding controlling my tongue. I had called my brother a bad name. He gave me the opportunity to take it back and I called him that name again. He told Mother and she washed my mouth out with soap. She taught me to have clean hands, a clean heart and a clean tongue!

My parents were able to teach us the respect for their authority which was due to them. We were taught to “honor thy father and thy mother.” They never allowed us to talk back to them; hence, no one ever thought of raising a hand against either of them. My mother was just as capable of administering discipline to a fourteen year old teenage boy as she was a three year old toddler. She did not hesitate to give what was deserved for fear of being struck back by the teenage son. All of us knew better than to try that. Consequently, I suppose that if my mother thought one of her children needed disciplining today that she would not fear that any of us would raise a hand to stop her. We respect both of our parents too much to raise a hand to strike either of them.

Conclusion

I am sure that there are many other things which my brothers and sisters would like to add to what I have written. Space would fail us if we tried to say all that should be said and our readers would soon become bored. However, on the occasion of the celebration of fifty years of marriage, I thought some notice deserved to be given the event. May the Lord richly bless them in the final years of their lives and marriage to each other.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 18, pp. 275-276
April 30, 1981

By Irvin Himmel

It is likely that someone will charge sneeringly that a preacher has turned soft if sermons are delivered on the subject of love. To the contrary, no preacher is sound unless he declares the whole counsel of God, and love is a vital part of God’s counsel. Just as the truth needs to be taught on the authority of the Scriptures, the way of salvation, the church, godly living, and hundreds of other subjects, the truth about love needs to be set forth in a clear manner.

In 1 Cor. 13, one of the outstanding chapters of the Bible, Paul portrays love’s excellence. “Through the centuries the passage has been acclaimed as incomparable. Beautiful in its brevity, dignity, simplicity; beautiful in its orderly progressiveness, nobility of thought, exquisite phraseology; it is all of this and far more” (Berquist).

Love Is Both Excellent and Indispensable

Writing to the Corinthians about supernatural gifts in chapter 12, Paul reasoned that it was proper for the Christians of his day to desire the best of these gifts, “and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” Chapter 13 gives us insight into how truly excellent is the quality called love.

The King James Version uses the word “charity,” which in modern usage generally denotes benevolence or helping the poor. Just remember that “charity” in this passage means love, and the word “love” includes much more than almsgiving.

(1) Love is more excellent than speaking in tongues. Obviously, judging from statements in chapter 14, some of the Corinthians acted as if the rather spectacular gift of speaking in tongues was more to be desired than all other endowments. Paul corrected that false impression. Tongues were a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22), whereas the gift of prophecy edified the church (1 Cor. 14:1-5). The apostle said, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue” (1 Cor. 14:18, 19).

Now, suppose a person could speak with all the tongues or languages that man has ever spoken! Suppose he could speak with the power of the angelic hosts! All such would mean no more than a noisy gong or tinkling, clattering, or clanging sound in the absence of love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (13:1).

How empty is eloquent speech without love. How meaningless are words that flow like noise coming from a brass instrument which lacks vitality. One may be so gifted that he has power to hypnotize by the magic of words, yet without love his speech is as worthless as sounds echoing from bronze.

(2) Love is more excellent than the gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and miraculous faith. Among the nine supernatural gifts mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:8-10, one finds “the word of knowledge,” “faith,” and “prophecy.” No master how important these gifts were in the revelation and confirmation of the word, the possessors of these marvelous endowments were nothing if they lacked love.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing” (13:2).

(3) Love is snore excellent than benevolence or even martyrdom. The Bible teaches us to be generous toward the poor. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Paul and Barnabas were reminded by James, Cephas, and John to “remember the poor” (Gal. 2:10). Some who call themselves Christians are not very charitable toward the poor. If they were put to the same test given to the rich young ruler, they probably would flunk. Jesus told that young man to “sell whatsoever thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shah have treasure in heaven” (Mk. 10:21). The young ruler was grieved, for he had great possessions.

It is possible for one to give his body in sacrifice to the service of God. In the Old Testament, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to give their bodies to be burned in a fiery furnace rather than bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold (Dan. 3). In the New Testament, Stephen was martyred because he dared to preach the truth (Acts 7).

What if a person gives all his worldly goods to feed the poor, then gives his body to be burned rather than disobey God, but lacks love? Here is Paul’s answer: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (13:3). Self-sacrifice is vain unless prompted by genuine love.

Love must undergird all of our actions. It is absolutely indispensable.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 18, p. 274
April 30, 1981

By Herschel Patton

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:16-18).

Many brethren seem to see in these verses vindication for all earnestly striving Christians who may be guilty of sins of ignorance (of which they are not aware). Such thinking leads to the extremes of the “grace-fellowship” issue that plagues the brotherhood today – “If you are `in grace’ God will overlook or excuse all sins of this nature.”

One brother says, truthfully, of the above verses, “The object of the Christian’s life is to perfect (finish) this love . . . that on the day of judgment he might stand before God with confidence.” He then states, “There is an obstacle that prevents many from accomplishing this – `fear’ . . . . The Christian who lives in fear of the judgment, lives in constant torment now.” The brother admits that some Christians ought to live in fear of the judgment because their lives of unfaithfulness offer no hope, but he goes on to suggest that there are others “serving God faithfully, yet who live in fear. Their only sense of security comes after they have arisen from a prayer of repentance, only to see it vanish again the next time they err. They have been taught by some of our own number that each sin committed, regardless of intent, separates from God and consigns them to hell.” He then brands such a concept as “Phariseeism” and one that “stifles the development of love toward God.”

Here is suggested the idea that some sins – errors – do not separate from God and consign to hell . . . A life of unfaithfulness will, but some sins (where there is no “intent”) will not separate from God or consign to hell.

Another brother has written (in a booklet): “I was afraid of the Christian life that had to be lived after baptism. Even after 1 was baptized I am afraid I did not live with much of a feeling of confidence and assurance. The preaching I was raised on had left me living with an anxiety about how I stood before the Lord – an anxiety that only escaped me for a moment after I had prayed for forgiveness. I always felt that I probably was not doing as much as the Lord expected out of me. That fearfulness, however, did not drive me to do any more. It just made me miserable . . . . A lot of faithful disciples, I am afraid, are `running scared.’ They live with doubt and with anxiety and with fearfulness, always wondering how they stand before the Lord.” This writer next shows that such fears are unjustified because the Lord (Jesus Christ) who made possible our justification by his loving sacrifice for us is the same one who now saves us by “his life” and enables us to “glory in hope of the glory of God.” He says further, “But I insist that faithful children of God ought to quit `running scared,’ always anxious and fearful, always in doubt, always wondering where they stand. We must cease to trust in our own goodness and learn to rest our hope on the love of God in Christ. If we will do that, we will be able to face even the judgment without fear; we will be confident that we shall be saved from the wrath that is to come through the intercession which our living Savior is making for us.”

The implication of all this is that Christians need not be concerned about some sins and matters of faithfulness, if they are “in grace” and earnestly striving to do right. The Lord’s love and intercessions will take care of these without repentance, confession, and prayer on our part. This is a degree of Calvinistic doctrine of “The Security of the Believer.” They would cover all sins of a believer, but our brethren limit the covering to “non-intent” or “ignorant” sins.

I would like for those of this persuasion to list some of the sins and errors that Christians need not be afraid of committing – that do not separate from God. The Bible says “all unrighteousness in sin”(1 John 5:17) and that no sin (thing that defileth) entereth heaven (Rev. 21:27). This being true, God must either not regard sin in the lives of some or the shed blood of Christ automatically takes care of all “non-intent” sins we commit. This is Calvinism, pure and simple.

Such a belief might, indeed, contribute to one’s living here without “fear” and go to the judgment with “confidence,” but such does not guarantee acceptance at the judgment (Matt. 7:22-23).

Perfect Love and Confidence

It is true, as John declares in our text, “love made perfect” in us gives boldness in the day of judgment. What is the “perfect love” of our text? In the fourth chapter of First John, we are told to “love one another” (vs. 7-8). Verses 12-15 show that while man has never seen God, there are many manifestations of Him, especially in the Son who came to earth in the form of man and suffered death in man’s place. The apostles, by the Holy spirit, bore witness of this. The love demonstrated by Jesus for man was the same that the Father has for man (John 3:16). Christians, moved by this divine love, in turn, love God and one another. God abides in them and they in Him (vs. 11; John 14:23). In men and women of faith who love one another, God’s love is perfected. God’s love was demonstrated by Christ “manifested in the flesh,” which made possible our justification, and is manifested by Christians in their love for one another. Thus the love of God is perfected in the Christian.

It is this “perfected love” in the Christian that makes for boldness in the day of judgment. Truly, God’s love is the basis for our justification. We couldn’t be “in Him” and “have peace with God” without this. And, it is this same love that “keeps us” as Christians since the one sacrifice not only provided for our justification but also “cleanseth us” continually (1 John 1:7), providing we use the advocacy provided (1 John 2:1). God’s love did not provide for our justification unconditionally, nor does it cleanse us from sins we may commit now unconditionally.

Fear of Judgment

Christians, in whom the love of God is perfected, truly have no reason to fear God in the judgment because Christ’s death not only assured their justification (free from guilt) when they obeyed the gospel, but also provided continual cleansing in the future for all who will repent. In other words, the cleansing fountain was, and always is, open – conditionally. This means no one need fear facing God in Judgment.

We must-not confuse the “fear” of our text with that of reverential fear and awe. On this point, Pulpit Commentary lists some good thoughts. “The fear which is inconsistent with perfect love is the fear of the slave dreading the lash, or the culprit dreading the verdict. But if the love of God is within us, sweetly subduing us with its tenderness, and if through that love sin in pardoned and destroyed, why, there is no lash to dread – no adverse verdict to fear . . . . The judge on the throne is viewed as an infinite vindicator and friend in whose love we ever live …. If this is not our state of mind, there must be some deficiency in love in exactly the same degree as there is any restless fear” (pp. 114-115).

A Christian who harbors fear of the judgment, evidently is lacking in trust in God, a wrong concept of God, or is condemned in his heart for a lack of love for God and his brethren. The one talent servant of Matt. 25:24-29 was “afraid” because of a misconception of the nature of his master and a lack of trust. The Christian, in whom the love of God is perfected, doubts not the true nature of his Lord but knows He is a loving, merciful, vindicating friend, and one who can be trusted to keep his promises; he knows in his heart that he has diligently sought the will of God, been watchful and earnest, continually using the advocacy of Christ, so lives without fear of the judgment.

Of course, reverential fear and awe, which the Bible teaches we must have, often causes us to question our fidelity and devotion to God, to search our hearts and lives, to purpose and resolve more diligent service, but this soul-searching which results in spiritual growth and corrections in our lives, is not the fear of judgment that causes us to be miserable. The facts that God judges according to “that which a man hath and not according to what he hath not” and has made forgiveness ever available, should banish constant fear of the judgment from the Christian. There is no reason to “run scared.”

We must not be deceived into thinking that our reasons for not “running scared” will EVEN cover various degrees of unfaithfulness and “non-intent” – “ignorant” sins, unrepented of, in our lives. There are numerous examples in the Bible of “ignorant” – “human weakness” sins that were not excused, but had to be repented of. Our confidence is in the loving God who has proven His love in making ever available a cleansing fountain for those in whom His love is perfected.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 18, pp. 273, 283
April 30, 1981

By Bobby Witherington

There are many forces at work in our society which seek to destroy the very fabric out of which a strong society is built, namely the home. Not the least of these forces is the so-called “Women’s Liberation Movement” which persists in ridiculing the role of a God-fearing, submissive-to-husband wife. Her work in the home is depicted as severe drudgery in the slavish performance of never-ending jobs, and even the mentality of those wives whose lives are built around husband and children is questioned.

However, notwithstanding the repetitious harangue of today’s carping critics, no role is more important and meaningful than that of a loving, faithful wife and mother. And when all priorities are properly placed and pursued, no role brings greater joy – nor does any role bring greater misery when such are ignored or have been twisted out of focus.

The Importance of A Good Wife And Mother

Solomon said, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord” (Prov. 18:22). Of course, whether or not one “findeth a good thing” when he “findeth a wife” depends upon what kind of a wife he finds! But he who finds a wife whose character and conduct is like unto that of the “virtuous woman” described in Proverbs 31 has, indeed, found a good thing.

Perhaps the importance of a good wife is best illustrated by observing man’s state before woman was created. Regarding the first man Adam, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). Because of this statement, someone has observed that “the only thing God ever made that was not good was a bachelor!” Of course, this is not intended as a slur on the character of any God-fearing male who has chosen to remain unmarried. In fact, there are times and circumstances which could make it unwise for one to marry (cf. Matt. 19:10-12; 1 Cor. 7:1, 26). However, the very fact that Eve was created to be “an help meet” for Adam implies that Adam, while alone, lacked that which was necessary to find complete fulfillment. Naturally, apart from “an help meet,” Adam could not “multiply and replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28). But Eve was not merely a sex object whose sole role was to complete what was lacking in the procreation realm. There was the need for companionship -the kind which could only be provided by a person of the opposite sex. Man needs a counterpart, who possesses definite, but controlled, emotions and refinement, as well as an awareness of the spiritual and the eternal. Even if the infinite wisdom of God had conceived of a way whereby the human species could have been perpetuated without the aid of woman, what kind of a world would this be if the human “family” consisted strictly of the masculine gender? In brief, how many men would care to live in a society composed strictly of men?

Such reasoning as the above is not intended to imply that a man is inherently more important than a woman, or that woman’s principle mission in life is to serve man. In Christ, all racial, social, and sexual distinctions are broken down, thereby enabling all to be “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28, 29). Of course, there are still distinctions as to function, but not as to equality. “Male chauvinism” is as contrary to the divine will as “women’s liberation.” Whether some like it or not, women are a part of “mankind,” and both genders of the human species must first recognize their responsibility to serve God, as well as their mutual dependance upon and need for one another.

However, lest verbosity has camouflaged the subject, we state again that we are discussing the importance of a good wife and mother. Perhaps at this point we should mentally underline the word “mother.” Merely the ability to bear children does not make a female a mother. I heard of one aid to dependent children recipient who filled out the necessary government forms. She brazenly answered the “occupation” blank with one word – “breeder!” Yes, she had borne children, but who in his right mind would call her a mother? A sleazy, slothful, beverage-sipping slouch, who co-habits with whatever human misfit that happens to be around so she can collect more government money so that she can perpetuate her immoral existence, is not a mother. She is nothing short of a leach, a parasite, and a disgrace to the human species. And few, if any, are more to be pitied than her offspring. The same tragedy is usually repeated in the next generation. Of course, these statements are not intended to cast reflections upon any God-fearing lady who, because of a combination of unfortunate events, must reluctantly accept government aid. There is a vast difference between a morally upright victim of circumstances, and a lazy, amoral slob who believes the world owes her (or him) a living.

But who can place a price tag on the value of a good wife and mother? “Her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10). Before there was a Samuel, there was a Hannah who prayed for a child and vowed to “give him unto the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:10). Before there was a Moses, there was a Jochebed whose courage and maternal love was sufficient to cause her to defy Pharaoh’s evil decree (Ex. 2:1-3; 6:20). Before there was a Timothy, there was a Lois and an Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). And what greater tribute could be paid woman than was paid when God chose a virgin named Mary as the one through whom would come the long-awaited Messiah (Matt. 1:20-23)?

Someone has observed that behind every successful man, there is a good woman. Frequently there are two good women – one a mother, and the other a wife. The man, who can truthfully say that “the two women whom I admire most are my mother and the mother of my children,” is one who is indeed fortunate.

But What Constitutes A Good Wife and Mother?

The answer is partially given in Titus 2:4, 5 wherein the apostle Paul admonished the aged women to “teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

“To be sober” is to be wise and temperate. It is to have one’s desires and passions under control; it is a quality which helps enable one to comply with the other character and duty requirements.

“To love their husbands. ” Paul did not say to “love someone else’s husband.” Where there is love, a marriage can survive sickness, in-law interference, a rigid schedule, and financial adversity. But it does not take much to destroy a marriage in which love has grown cold.

“To love their children. ” It seems strange that some must be taught to “love their children!” It comes easy and natural for God-fearing people. But when people cease “to retain God in their knowledge,” it is but a few steps until they are also “without natural affection” (Rom. 1:28, 31). In an age such as this, when so many “feminists” (?) are demeaning the role of a mother who is “tied at home because of her children,” it is more needful than ever to teach women to “love their children.”

“To be discreet.” “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion” (Prov. 11:22). The picture of a hog wearing a jewel of gold in his snout would be laughable – were it not for what it illustrates.

“Chaste. ” This is from a word which means pure in heart and life. This quality will be evidenced in speech, conduct, and dress. Someone has observed that “women should be chaste, not chased!” If they are chaste in their dress, they are not as likely to be chased by the ungodly element of the opposite sex.

“Keepers at home. ” Women should be attentive to domestic concerns. This expression is not parallel to the expression “stayers at home.” Of course, this writer is not encouraging women to unnecessarily leave the home and join the public work force. But let it be understood that these expressions are not identical in meaning. Some who stay at home also stay glued to their daily soap operas (whose sole plot is centered around somebody being untrue to his or her mate). Some stay on the telephone, and about the only thing they “keep” is their nose in other people’s business! But “keepers at home,” who truly live up to what the expression implies, are the unsung heroines of today’s world.

“Good. ” What better character quality to possess! One who is morally upright, whose ambition centers more in pleasing God than pursuing a career. People “do good” (Gal. 6:10) because they are good. It takes a “good tree” to produce “good fruit” (Matt. 7:17), and it also takes a good woman to make a good wife and mother. To marry an immoral person, expecting her to make a good wife and mother, is as non-sensible as using rotten wood to build a good house. Young man, if you want a good home you should at least start out with the right building material!

“Obedient to their own husbands. ” I did not say that. Paul did. And he wrote “the commandments of God” (1 Cor. 14:37). This, of course, does not give the husband permission to be an unfeeling brute, or a domineering tyrant. But obedience to God includes obedience to those whom God has placed over us. I do not know which is worse, a hen-pecked husband or a hen-pecking wife! Perhaps it is a tie. But no young lady should marry the kind of person she cannot submit to. Nor should any young man marry a young lady who either does not know, or else does not respect, God’s instructions regarding spiritual and domestic headship (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-25).

“That the word of God be not blasphemed.” To blaspheme is to show contempt for, to speak evil of. The idea is that even the word of God is evil spoken of when those who profess to believe it disregard its domestic instructions.

Conclusion

Time and space would fail me to describe the blessings and joys that good wives and mothers have brought to this world. Where would we be, and what would we be, without them? The wise man “hit the nail on the head” when he said “her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10).

In fact, it would be appropriate to conclude by referring our readers to Proverbs 31:10-31 wherein such a woman is vividly described. The woman of this chapter is virtuous, trustworthy, beneficent, thrifty, energetic, prudent, well-dressed, unselfish, kind, an early riser, and does not have a lazy bone in her body. No wonder “her children arise up and call her blessed.” And no wonder “her husband . . . praiseth her” (v. 28). And we do, too!

Guardian of Truth XXV: 17, pp. 267-268
April 23, 1981