10 July 2014

Influential Respect

An excerpt from the devotional "The Excellent Wife Day by Day" by Karen Eiler.

"She does him good and not evil all the days of her life . . . Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land."

Proverbs 31:12, 23

Austin and Nolan are best friends who grew up together, went to the same church and school, and now work for the same company.  They both come from good Christian homes, have similar interests and education, and are both really great guys.  They're good at what they do, and are fairly equal in their qualifications for their jobs.  However, Nolan is much more successful in his career, and was recently promoted to management, while Austin seems to be constantly struggling.  The difference?

Well, we're not quite sure, but it's interesting to note how different their wives are.  Nolan's wife is loving, supportive, and respects her husband greatly.  Austin's wife, on the other hand, criticizes him constantly.  It seems that there is little he can do to please her, and the tension at home affects his emotions and consequently, his job performance.

The old adage, "Behind every successful man is a good woman" is one we don't hear very often any more, but it is still just as true as it ever was.  Part of being a "good woman" is respecting, supporting, and believing in your man.  As much as he may not want to admit it, your husband feeds off your approval and respect.  Consequently, you have more influence in your marriage than you may have realized.  Respecting your husband builds him up and helps give him the strength to face the challenges of the day.  Your respect gives him confidence and energy, enabling him to be more productive at work and more effective as a leader in the home, church and community.  Like the excellent wife of Proverbs 31, whose husband was "known in the gates" (vs. 23), you can have a profound effect on your husband's reputation, just by being respectful and supportive. But a lack of respect from you will tear him down and make him feel inadequate in every area of his life.


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