It is one of the great treasures of life. Finding trustworthy relationships is more important than any earthly possession. But the great aim of our lives should not just be to find those friendships but to become the friend worthy of trust.
EARNING THE RIGHT
The King's mother, in Proverbs 31, is giving him some strong, motherly advice. In the first of the chapter, she warns him about giving himself to many women who will destroy him. She warns him about excessive drinking. (Sounds just like a mom!) And then she challenges him to look for a godly wife.
An excellent wife who can find for her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12)
This is a high calling for a wife and wise advice for a man regarding what he should look for in a wife. But there is another underlying admonition for us all …
Become the one others can trust for a lifetime.
The "excellent wife" is more valuable than riches. She does her husband "good and not evil all the days of her life." She has lived so consistently and unselfishly that it is easy for her husband to trust in her. He knows she has his best interest at heart. He has no reason to question her motives or actions, for time has proven her intent. He knows that he will "have no lack of gain," for she is faithfully providing those things that a godly wife can give.
FOR US ALL
A beautiful testimony about godly wives. But this principle is for everyone. It would be wise to evaluate our side of all our relationships.
We cannot change others, but we can, by God's grace, change ourselves. We can make significant investments in others for their good. If we take this unselfish posture, we will gain deep relationships—both here and eternally—for the foundation of all great friendships is trust.
Father, make me the one people can trust. Make me a great mate, parent, colleague, and friend. Help me live to bring gain to others' lives. Let me do them good and not evil. And let me do this consistently all the days of my life.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
