I’ve been really stressed out these last couples of days. The combination of a new born, my first born, family stuff, friend stuff, and work became overwhelming.
I decided something needed to change and I asked my wife if I could have a little time on my own.
I came to a local coffee shop and ordered a freshly squeezed Orange juice for 5,000KRw (~5USD).
This is significant because I dislike spending on myself and I don’t like coffee. I was really stressed.
My brain felt like it was going to burst and explode on the next person who rubbed me the wrong way.
I didn’t want that to be my family.
I read Proverbs 31, because today’s May 31 and I haven’t read my Bible in a long time and I didn’t know where to start up again.
Proverbs 31 is famous for the Wife of Noble Character.
I wondered what would the qualities of the husband be?
This is my contemporary interpretation of reversing the roles and qualities for the husband.
A husband of noble character who can find?
He is worth far more than gold.His wife has full confidence in him
and he lacks nothing of value.He brings her good, not harm,
all the days of his life.He selects commodities
and works with eager brains.He is like a traveling businessman
bringing his business from afar.He gets up while it is still night;
and provides for his family
and provides for his employees.He considers investments and buys them;
Out of his profits he invests.He sets about his work vigorously;
his arms are strong for his tasks.He sees that his work is profitable,
and his lights do not go out at night.In his hands he holds a tool
and creates something with his fingers.He opens his arms to the poor
and extends his hands to the needy.When storms come, he has no fear for his household;
for all of them are protected.He protects his marriage bed;
he is well dressed.His wife is respected among the community,
where she takes her seat among the ladies of the land.He makes products and sells them,
and supplies the vendors with products.He is clothed in strength and dignity;
he can laugh at the days to come.He speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on his tongue.He watches over the affairs of his businesses
and is not idle or lazy.His children arise and call him blessed;
and his wife also, and she loves him:
“Many men do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting:
but a man who fears the Lord is to be praised.Honor him for all that his hands have done,
and let his works bring him praise from the community.
It’s challenging to make myself a noble person.
I hope to be consider a man of noble character some day and that my wife is also noble.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of my wisdom and experience – I’m not the best husband all of the time.
The world promotes billionaire playboys as the ideal man. That’s a travesty.
The husband of noble character is the true ideal man.
