I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding this past weekend. It was an amazing experience filled with love, joy and God’s presence. The core message that I shared was from Proverbs 24:3-4 which says, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." In this passage the Master Architect himself describes a home that will stand the test of time. These verses describe the importance of wisdom, understanding and knowledge in having a successful marriage.
By wisdom a house is built - To build a house that will stand the test of time you need to first create a firm foundation. In this passage the word “built” comes from a Hebrew word that means “to restore.” God used the same word when He took the rib from Adam’s chest and rebuilt it into a woman. He did this because he thought it was not good for man to be alone. In the Biblical sense, wisdom is seeing things from God’s perspective and then acting on it. Scripture tells us that when we ask God for wisdom he will give it to us. A wise spouse sees their partner through God’s eyes and acts accordingly. Cultivate wisdom as it will help you accept each other’s differences and let the little things go. Things like who takes out the trash, who is right or wrong this time, and how to load the dishwasher the correct way. Let the little things go so you can focus on the big picture of a lifetime as husband and wife.
And through understanding a house is established - Established describes a home that is firm, stable, secure, and upright. Although similar to building, established is the end result of making wise choices. Understanding is applying intelligence, insight and discernment toward your spouse. It is making a daily effort to celebrate your differences but find common ground.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures - Think of knowledge as information that is completed by application. It is being convicted as a couple what your family values are and applying them to your everyday life. Your rooms will be filled because you will partner together each day to create a well-maintained home that is the result of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Although a home is furnished with real items like furniture and dishes I want you to think of the “rare and beautiful treasures” in this verse as peace, joy and love. There will be challenges ahead. As crisis overtakes you ask God for his peace that passes all understanding. Seek joy which is found not in your circumstances but on the firm foundation of a life centered on Christ, individually and as a couple. And love - 1 John 4: 7 tells us to love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Keep God as an active partner in your marriage and you will still be happily married 50 years from now.