I have been really interested in the proverbs and the application of wisdom. As I recently went through some proverbs, the Lord spoke to me through Proverbs 14:25: “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” Particularly the first part of the proverb caught my eye. It underscores a theme that we find elsewhere in the Bible and in the proverbs particularly: my actions have an effect on other people. If I choose a sinful or foolish path, it’s not just my problem. It has a negative effect on those around me (see the account of Achan’s sin in Joshua chapter 7). Conversely, if I choose wisdom, others will benefit.
This principle has outstanding application for our marriages. If I act and think wisely, this will be a blessing to my spouse. If I choose the correct words, it will create a more pleasant and productive environment for our marriage. If I work hard, my spouse will also reap the benefits of my hard work. If I accept correction, my character will change in a godly direction, which will draw my spouse and me closer together.
Let’s seek to be good to others, then, by choosing the right path. Certainly we benefit from making good choices. However, when we act and think in a manner pleasing to God, others also get to reap what we have sown. That, friends, is an exciting prospect. It is a great blessing to bless others.
— Beau Stanley
