Equally Yoked

Proverbs 31:10–31

In 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV), Paul the apostle warned believers to avoid being “unequally yoked” with nonbelievers. He used the image of two oxen—one strong, the other weak—harnessed together to pull a plow. Every farmer at the time knew what the outcome would be: the weaker animal invariably set the pace. The stronger animal, trying to remain in step with its partner, will not pull to its full potential.

Issues of salvation aside, the same is true of married partners: inequality of character will limit both people. A lazy husband will tax an industrious woman to destruction. An untrustworthy wife keeps an honest man from finding success. The excellent woman must have an excellent man at her side. He must be incredibly secure and truly generous. He is not only willing to let her find fulfillment beyond him, but he encourages and affirms her doing so. He praises her, openly declaring, “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all” (31:29).

This man is worth a second look, fellow husbands. Maybe it is just male ego on my part, but I am convinced that a significant reason this “excellent wife,” who was worth more than precious jewels, found fulfillment in her role as wife, mother, business-woman, investor, hostess, and friend of the needy was that her husband supported and affirmed those qualities in her. He found delight in her activities. He encouraged her to be the best mother possible, to reach out to others, to become all that God created her to be.

For women who are blessed with a partner like that, motherhood is a glory, not a grind.

Has God worked in your life in a significant way through Chuck Swindoll and the ministry of Insight for Living? Whatever your story, we’d love for you to tell it to us! Psalm 9:11 tells us to “declare among the peoples His deeds” so others can be encouraged. Submit your story.

From Living the Proverbs by Charles R. Swindoll, copyright © 2012. Reprinted by permission of Worthy Inspired., an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Posted in Marriage, Women and tagged .

Accuracy, clarity, and practicality all describe the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. Chuck is the chairman of the board at Insight for Living and the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. Chuck also serves as the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where he is able to do what he loves most—teach the Bible to willing hearts. His focus on practical Bible application has been heard on the Insight for Living radio broadcast since 1979.