~ A Woman's Incredible Influence ~

" The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good, and not evil all the days of her life".

Proverbs 31:11-12

A woman has incredible influence to make a man feel very big inside or very small. Her own happiness may depend on how she uses that tremendous, God given influence. She can use her influence for constructive or destructive purposes. Today's Bible reading (Proverbs 31:10-31) describes women God is impressed with.

This woman builds up her husband, and he is highly regarded in the community because of the kind of woman she is. This woman's attitude caused blessings to flow back to her. She receives the highest praise and respect from her husband, her children, the people who know them, and from God Himself.

Proverbs 14:1 talks about a woman who tears down her house with her own hands. The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. I don't think any woman mean to do that, but in her frustration, she focuses much more on what her husband is doing wrong than what he is doing right. She doesn't understand how her criticism withers his confidence and emotionally hinders him.

Much is taught about a man's responsibilites to his wife, but equally important is what the Bible says about the awesome power a woman has to build up or tear down the man she loves.

Her responses to challenges facing leadership in family living have a large bearing on how the children accept discipline and correction.

If leadership is constantly criticized, the children will not hesitate to do the same. Both parents supporting each other give children a beautiful example of Christian living which will glorify God.

- Lester K. Burkholder - Fredericksburg, PA

Some women make a fool out of a man, but many a Godly woman has made a man out of a fool.