of the most beautiful portions of the Word of God is found in Proverbs 31:10-31. In the original the verses serve as an acrostic, dealing with the blessings of a dedicated Christian wife whose children arise and call her blessed. The next verse specifies Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Now, some of the young people might think of Sarah as a pretty poor example of beauty, find ing it a rather repugnant idea. After all, Sarah was to be remembered as a woman who gave birth to Isaac when she reached the century mark. Who would want to be like old wrinkled, and decrepit Sarah? But don’t forget the fact that she was no doubt one of the most beautiful women in all of Egypt. Remember Abraham’s sin when Pharaoh delighted in her and wanted her as his own? God had to rebuke and bring shame upon him. The story is told in the 12th chapter of the book of Genesis. So verse 6 declares, “Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him lord.” (The word “lord” is not capital ized; it does not have any reference to deity.) Sarah was not afraid with any amazement; she had no fluttering alarm and nothing upset her. Sarah trusted in the Lord for strength. Now, the only thing that will make a person like Sarah today is by having the inner man adorned with a meek and quiet spirit. This portion of Scripture, is based on the responsibilities of a Christian wife toward an unsaved husband. Yet, the. applications are just as practical for the husband’s use. Verse seven begins with “ditto” marks: “likewise.” In the manner in which servants are to be subservient to their masters, in the way in which wives are to be in subjection to their own husbands, so husbands are to live with their wives “according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” Does it seem that your family prayers have been dull and drab. Have you felt that your intersession has gone no higher than the proverbial ceiling- Follow the leading of God’s Word for victory. 33
mind that we are not to dress to attract attention to ourselves, nor are we to dress to appeal to the depraved nature of man. J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has pointed out that one of the great reasons for sexual crimes today is be cause of the way in which women dress. A natural result can only be that sick minds commit deeds of crime and passion. In verse four of I Peter we are told what to wear, as we read, “Let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the orna ment of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” Think of having clothes which do not fade or which are not subjected to moths and silver fish. THE CHANGELESS CHRIST Times change and men change with them. For still the new allures, Strange gods demand their worship, Strange creeds that come and go. Men's thoughts and men's opinions Are tides that ebb and flow. On ever-shifting currents Their minds drift to and fro. Their wavering wills are shaken By all the winds that blow; But steadfast as the mountains, And surer than the sea, And fixed as are the heavens, God is, and God shall be. And though the little hills shall melt, The mighty mountains move. Though earth and heaven pass away, And suns unstable prove, Though faithful stars shall cease to shine And there is no more sea, Still changeless as the changeless God, The Word of Christ shall be! — Annie Johnson Flint The Bible is God’s picture book giv ing us practical illustrations concern ing the Christian wife’s pattern of life. In verse five holy women of old are referred to in respect to their trust in God. The Scriptures indicate that they revealed an habitual subordination to their husbands as well as to God. One. Their purpose falters ever, No plan of theirs endures;
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