IF EVIL-MERODACH CAN DO IT…

IF EVIL-MERODACH CAN DO IT…

THE BIBLE IS AMAZING.  It can use even the actions of a proud, pagan king to instruct us on how to treat our wives with respect. I see this in 2Kings 25:28, which describes how the Babylonian ruler Evil-Merodach treated the captive King Jehoiachin: “He spoke kindly to him, and gave him a more prominent seat than those of the kings who were with him in Babylon.”  This foreign ruler was not required to speak to and treat King Jehoiachin with such respect.  But he did.

Do you speak kindly to your spouse?  Do you speak with respect?  Without careful attention, your tongue can become caustic, searing, and accusing.  I work hard in this area, because I know that honor begins with attitude.  I also know that when I am under pressure, I can become curt and snippy.

I’ve learned that I must protect my wife from others who speak disrespectfully to her.  When our children talked back to Barbara,  they knew that they were going to have to deal with me. Our children were great, but they tried to mug her on numerous occasions.  She was outnumbered!  That’s why I did my best not to let them get away with speaking to her disrespectfully.

In addition, do you give your wife a prominent seat higher than others?  If your wife works outside the home, she may need you to supply a free evening once or twice a week, when you volunteer to do it all, put the children to bed, clean the kitchen, do the laundry, etc.  Hey, if Evil-Merodach can do it for a captive king, why can’t you treat your partner for life even better?

NOTE:  This article is from the book Family Life and Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

NOTE:  Daily there is a new post to help your marriage be a success.