‘My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it. So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body. You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.” Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.’ Proverbs 5:1-19(NLT)
Is having fun and intimacy in your marriage essential, or is it extra? Sure, we all like fun and intimacy. But it’s easy to think that other things in our lives are more important—things like work, kids, and chores.
But here is the good news: God views fun and intimacy in our marriage as essential. We find these views in Proverbs 5, which was authored by Solomon.
But Solomon’s wisdom is not based on his human ability. In fact, Solomon’s own life wasn’t a great example of marriage. But the principles and the truths that God spoke through Solomon are wise all the same.
In Proverbs 5, Solomon is warning his son to protect himself and his marriage by staying away from adultery. For 17 verses Solomon tried to scare the pants on his son.
He gave him all the don’ts then he gave him a couple of do’s.
He encourages his son to be captivated with his wife, to rejoice in her always, and be delighted in her.
In other words, one of the best ways to protect your marriage is to enjoy it.
You see, the good news is that fun and intimacy is not extra for your marriage—they are essential… helping you to become… YOUR BEST US..
Action Step
What is one thing you can do today to make your spouse laugh or put a smile on their face?
Prayer
God, life can get serious, too serious. Please help me to know how to bring a little fun into our marriage today.
from Your Best Us: Marriage Is Easier Than You Think