Our new neighbors are just the sweetest and most helpful friends one could ask for. We are still getting acquainted with one another, but they are both kind and helpful, and their children are so polite.
He is a very talented free-hand painter for motorcycles and trucks. His truck is absolutely beautiful, and when I complimented his work, his wife said, “Thank you. I am so proud of him.”
Those words echoed in my mind for several days. First of all, I thought it was precious that she adored her husband’s talent. Second, it was a reminder that I need to compliment Jim more than I do.
I know the Bible warns us about our pride in verses like, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2), but pride in your spouse is different from being too proud or self-absorbed to need God or others.
Dictionary.com backs this up by showing two definitions of the word.
- a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
- the state or feeling of being proud.
The first definition is the one God warns us about in His Word. The second is how our pride can be used to compliment someone. Pride in one’s spouse is a way to show affection and respect, letting them know how much they are appreciated. The Bible teaches us to be supportive of our spouses and to treat one another with the same respect that Jesus treats us.
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33 Emphasis Added).
None of us will ever be the perfect wife, but showing respect and expressing pride in your husband’s accomplishments will enrich his life and your relationship. So instead of nagging your husband about his dirty socks on the floor or squeezing the toothpaste in the middle, compliment him. Don’t be the wife who is too self-absorbed and proud to express gratitude, be the woman who greatly enriches your husband all the day of your life.
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 31:10-12 Emphasis Added)
