A Gift From God
January 22, 1999 • By Ed Wrather
01.22.99
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD - Proverbs 19:14.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD - Proverbs 18:22.
Tomorrow is my 29th wedding anniversary. The first two times that I saw my wife I had no idea we would spend much of our lives together. The first time I saw her we were still in high school and she was having her first and only accident. She scraped into someone's new car at a Sonic drive-in. It attracted quite a bit of attention. The second time I saw my future wife I was in college and on a date. My date saw Jeanie and a friend walking and insisted that we give them a ride. A year later I was at a friend's uncle's house and Jeanie was there. Strangely enough the first thought that came to me was that she would be a good wife. By our third date we had already mentioned marriage and in less than eight months we were married.
Jeanie has always been more than faithful. She has been an example to follow. She has been a faithful witness. Through her testimony I came to know the Lord as my Savior. She has been that example and witness as well to our sons and to all she comes into contact with. I can only say that she was a gift from God. She is described accurately in Proverbs 31:10 through the end of the chapter (Selected verses):
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and her portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.