Say That Again!

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

It would have made a great greeting card commercial. The year was 1992, and I had just won a major award for excellence in broadcast journalism. To say I was shocked when I heard my name called at the awards ceremony would be a gross understatement. I took my shiny new plaque, posed for a quick photo, and returned to my seat, still shaking like a leaf. With a grin, my wife reached into her purse and took out an envelope. Inside was a card that read, "I knew you could do it. Congratulations!"

How's that for confidence?

That was 16 years ago, but I remember it so well. Why? Because whether we readily admit it or not, we husbands really do long for the approval and affirmation of our wives. It's true! Just ask King Lemuel. He's the guy who described Beaver Cleaver's mom for a whopping 21 verses in the 31st chapter of Proverbs. Tucked away in the discourse is this valuable nugget: "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:11-12).

I thrive on the confidence my wife gives me. She can be brutally honest about my shortcomings, but her honesty is tempered with an assurance that she knows what I'm capable of. Like a young child who believes his parents can do no wrong, she lifts me up rather than tearing me down. "Faithful instruction is on her tongue" (verse 26).

Yes, it's a two-way street. In the New Testament, Paul admonishes husbands to love their wives. That should be a no-brainer. However, a "Proverbs 31 Wife" makes the husband's role so much sweeter. He will never outgrow his need to feel appreciated and valued.

Proverbs 31:29 says of this incredible wife, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Now, doesn't that make an even better greeting card?