I want to write to you about the importance of being a godly husband, by examining the traits of an evil husband as described in the Bible.
In the book of Proverbs, it says, "A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands" (Proverbs 14:1). An evil husband tears down his own house, his marriage, and his family with his own actions.
What are some of the traits of an evil husband?
• He ignores wisdom and advice (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 12:15)
• He is hasty and impulsive in his decisions (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 21:5)
• He is reckless and unrestrained in his words (Proverbs 18:6-7, Proverbs 29:20)
• He fails to provide for and lead his family (1 Timothy 5:8, Ephesians 5:23-33)
• He is selfish and prioritizes his own desires above his family's needs (Proverbs 17:24, Philippians 2:3-4)
• He refuses to listen to correction or rebuke (Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 15:31-32)
• He is prone to anger and lacks self-control (Proverbs 29:22, Proverbs 30:33)
• He is unfaithful and lacks commitment to his marriage vows (Proverbs 5:1-23, Malachi 2:14-16)
It is important to remember that these traits are not just limited to husbands but can apply to anyone. Additionally, it's important to approach these issues with love and grace, and to seek growth and change through God's word and wisdom.
Firstly, he is selfish and only thinks of his own desires, ignoring the needs of his wife and family. Secondly, he is harsh and cruel, using his words to wound and hurt those around him. Thirdly, he is unfaithful and lacks commitment, seeking pleasure elsewhere rather than finding joy in his own wife.
In Proverbs 14:15, it says, "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps."
A foolish husband is one who does not heed wisdom, who does not listen to the counsel of his wife, and who does not seek guidance from God. He is hasty in his decisions, impulsive in his actions, and reckless in his words. He ignores the advice of Proverbs 19:20, which says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."
But what is the result of such foolishness? Proverbs 14:29 tells us, "A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him." His foolish decisions bring pain and sorrow to his family.
But there is hope! In Proverbs 1:7, we read, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Let us seek to be wise husbands, who fear the Lord and seek His wisdom in all aspects of our lives. Let us be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock, so that when the storms come, our marriages and families will stand firm.
The Bible warns us against such behavior, reminding us that husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). We are called to be sacrificial leaders, not selfish dictators.
As husbands, we are called to be like Jesus, who laid down his life for his bride. Let us repent of our selfish ways and turn to the Lord, seeking his strength to love our wives and families with godly love. May we be like the wise husband who builds his house on the rock, and may our marriages be a testimony to the love and grace of God.
May God give grace to be wise husbands, who bring joy and blessing to our families, and may we be guided by the wisdom of Proverbs 3:19, "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens." Amen.
