Day #1

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life -- Genesis 3:17.

Eve was told of the sorrow and pain that must henceforth be her portion. And the Lord said, "Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." In the creation God had made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God--in harmony with His great law of love--they would ever have been in harmony with each other; but sin had brought discord, and now their union could be maintained and harmony preserved only by submission on the part of the one or the other. Eve had been the first in transgression; and she had fallen into temptation by separating from her companion, contrary to the divine direction. It was by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and she was now placed in subjection to her husband. Had the principles joined in the law of God been cherished by the fallen race, this sentence, though growing out of the results of sin, would have proved a blessing to them; but man's abuse of the supremacy thus given him has too often rendered the lot of woman very bitter and made her life a burden.

Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband's side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God's plan. In their efforts to reach positions for which He has not fitted them, many are leaving vacant the place where they might be a blessing. In their desire for a higher sphere, many have sacrificed true womanly dignity and nobility of character, and have left undone the very work that Heaven appointed them -- Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 58, 59.

Day #2

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones -- Proverbs 12:4.

In Solomon's day, parents guided their children in the selection of mates. Today, young people insist upon making their own choice. The facts here stated should be thoughtfully and prayerfully contemplated early enough to save from thoughtless choosing and lifelong regret. A weak, gossiping, immodest, or wasteful woman saps the initiative and determination of her husband -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Proverbs 12:4].

He that is blessed with a good wife is as happy as if he were upon the throne. A bad wife is no better than an incurable disease, besides that she makes him ashamed -- Matthew Henry Study Bible, p. 1225.

Day #3

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing -- Ephesians 5:22-24.

I have also been shown that there is often a great failure on the part of the wife. She does not put forth strong efforts to control her own spirit and make home happy. There is often fretfulness and unnecessary complaining on her part. The husband comes home from his labour weary and perplexed, and meets a clouded brow instead of cheerful, encouraging words. He is but human, and his affections become weaned from his wife, he loses the love of his home, his pathway is darkened, and his courage destroyed. He yields his self-respect and that dignity which God requires him to maintain. The husband is the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the church; and any course which the wife may pursue to lessen his influence and lead him to come down from that dignified, responsible position is displeasing to God. It is the duty of the wife to yield her wishes and will to her husband. Both should be yielding, but the word of God gives preference to the judgement of the husband. And it will not detract from the dignity of the wife to yield to him whom she has chosen to be her counsellor, adviser, and protector. The husband should maintain his position in his family with all meekness, yet with decision. Some have asked the question, Must I be on my guard and feel a restraint upon me continually? I have been shown that we have a great work before us to search our own hearts, and watch ourselves with jealous care. We should learn wherein we fail, and then guard ourselves upon that point. We must have perfect control over our own spirit. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." The light that shines upon our path, the truth that commends itself to our consciences, will condemn and destroy the soul, or sanctify and transform it. We are living too near the close of probation to be content with a superficial work. The same grace which we have hitherto considered sufficient will not sustain us now. Our faith must be increased, and we must become more like Christ in conduct and disposition in order to endure, and successfully resist, the temptations of Satan. The grace of God is sufficient for every follower of Christ -- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p.308.

Day #4

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband -- Ephesians 5:33.

Reverence. Literally, "fear," "respect." Paul does not mean cringing fear; that would be out of keeping with the counsel he has been giving. This honour and respect that is urged in no way eliminates love on the part of the wife. It means that God's natural order in the family should not be subverted, and that the special function of leadership that God has laid upon the husband should be regarded. Where there is mutual love and respect, questions of domination or alienation will not arise -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Ephesians 5:33]

Christian wives are to honour their husbands in word and in conduct. Peter here confirms Paul's teachings regarding the ethics of a Christian home. "Continue to be subject" to your own husbands. Peter here emphasises the unique relationship involved in marriage. A believing wife must at all times be a Christian in spirit, living at peace even with an unbelieving husband. Her Christian vows have not freed her from her earlier vows to a pagan husband...

It was not uncommon for a wife to accept the truth in Jesus Christ and for her husband to reject it and to set himself in opposition to it. Nevertheless, the Christian wife was not to seek freedom from her marriage bond so long as her husband was content to live with her. She was to continue to live with her husband, in subjection to him as his wife, hoping and praying that her godly life would win him to the Master.

The Greek construction makes evident that "word" here does not designate the gospel message, as in the previous occurrence of "word" in the same verse. In view of the fact that conduct ("conversation") is to be the means by which believing wives are to win their unbelieving husbands, "word" here, by contrast, evidently designates verbal persuasion. Sometimes a believing wife may be tempted to argue, and to attempt to overwhelm her husband by logical evidence. Generally speaking this is not the best way to win an unbelieving husband. A spirit of nagging, argumentative discussion is foreign to the spirit and methods of Christ...A quiet self-restraint, a gentle, holy life of self-denial, presents an unanswerable argument, and is usually much more effective than constant talk and argument -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [1 Peter 3:1].

Day #5

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed -- Titus 2:4, 5.

To love their husbands and be obedient to them: and where there is true love this will be no difficult command. God, in nature, and by His will, has made this subordination: I suffer not a woman to usurp authority over the man (1 Tim 22:12). To love their children, not with a natural affection only, but a spiritual, a love springing from a holy sanctified heart and regulated by the word; not a fond foolish love, indulging them in evil, neglecting due reproof and correction where necessary, but a regular Christian love, showing itself in their pious education, forming their life and manners aright, taking care of their souls as well as of their temporal, of the former chiefly and in the first place.

Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you from the evil way. Chaste, and keepers at home, are well joined too. Their business is to guide the house, and they should give no occasion to the enemy to speak reproachfully. Good, generally in opposition to all vice, and especially in her place, kind, helpful, and charitable, as Dorcas, full of good works and alms deeds -- Matthew Henry Study Bible (KJV), p. 2559.

Day #6

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord -- Colossians 3:18.

The Lord Jesus has not been correctly represented in His relation to the church by many husbands in their relation to the church, for they do not keep the way of the Lord. They declare that their wives must be subject to them in everything. But it was not the design of God that the husband should have control, as head of the house, when he himself does not submit to Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ that he may represent the relation of Christ to the church. If he is a coarse, rough, boisterous, egotistical, harsh, and overbearing man, let him never utter the word that the husband is the head of the wife, and that she must submit to him in everything; for he is not the Lord, he is not the husband in the true significance of the term -- Adventist Home, p. 117.

The matter now to be settled is: Shall the wife feel bound to yield implicitly to the demands of her husband when she sees that nothing but base passions control him, and when her reason and judgement are convinced that she does it to the injury of her body, which God has enjoined upon her to possess in sanctification and honour, to preserve as a living sacrifice to God?

It is not pure, holy love which leads the wife to gratify the animal propensities of her husband at the expense of health and life. If she possess true love and wisdom, she will seek to divert his mind from the gratification of lustful passions to high and spiritual themes by dwelling upon interesting spiritual subjects. It may be necessary to humbly and affectionately urge, even at risk of his displeasure, that she cannot debase her body by yielding to sexual excess. She should, in a tender, kind manner, remind him that God has the first and highest claim upon her entire being, and that she cannot disregard this claim, for she will be held accountable in the great day of God.

If she will elevate her affections, and in sanctification and honour preserve her refined, womanly dignity, woman can do much by her judicious influence to sanctify her husband, and thus fulfil her high mission. In so doing she can save both her husband and herself, thus performing a double work. In this matter, so delicate and so difficult to manage, much wisdom and patience are necessary, as well as moral courage and fortitude. Strength and grace can be found in prayer. Sincere love is to be the ruling principle of the heart. Love to God and love to the husband can alone be the right ground of action -- Adventist Home, p. 126, 127.

Day #7

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house -- Proverbs 21:9.

In ancient Palestine for most of the year a man might live in comparative comfort on the flat roof of his house (see 1 Sam. 9:25, 26). Solomon contends that it is better to be exposed to the wind and rain than to the quarrelsome and vexing tongue of a contentious woman -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Proverbs 21:9].

You must learn to cultivate modesty in speaking. Self must be subdued and kept in subjection. A Christian will not pursue a course of bickering and contention with even the most wicked and unbelieving. How wrong to indulge this spirit with those who believe the truth and who are seeking for peace, love, and harmony! Says Paul: "Be at peace among yourselves." This spirit of contention is opposed to all the principles of heaven. In Christ's Sermon on the Mount He says: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." You will have trouble wherever you go, unless you learn the lesson God designs you to learn. You should be less confident and forward in your own opinion, and possess a teachable spirit, that of a learner. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." Says James: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." -- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 163.

Day #8

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman -- Proverbs 21:19.

Whatever the character of the offence, this does not change the plan that God has made for the settlement of misunderstandings and personal injuries. Speaking alone and in the spirit of Christ to the one who is in fault will often remove the difficulty. Go to the erring one, with a heart filled with Christ's love and sympathy, and seek to adjust the matter. Reason with him calmly and quietly. Let no angry words escape your lips. Speak in a way that will appeal to his better judgement. Remember the words: "He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." James 5:20.

Take to your brother the remedy that will cure the disease of disaffection. Do your part to help him. For the sake of the peace and unity of the church, feel it a privilege as well as a duty to do this. If he will hear you, you have gained him as a friend.

All heaven is interested in the interview between the one who has been injured and the one who is in error. As the erring one accepts the reproof offered in the love of Christ, and acknowledges his wrong, asking forgiveness from God and from his brother, the sunshine of heaven fills his heart. The controversy is ended; friendship and confidence are restored. The oil of love removes the soreness caused by the wrong. The Spirit of God binds heart to heart, and there is music in heaven over the union brought about -- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 261.

Day #9

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 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 31:10-12.

We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that harmonises with His teachings. High and holy attainments are within our reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us. His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, "Come up higher. Be holy, holier still." Every day we may advance in perfection of Christian character.

Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God's great family know little of what it means to behold His glory and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour's love. Let these cherish every desire of the soul after God. The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, moulds those who will be moulded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that "the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18, R.V., margin.

"These things have I spoken unto you," said Christ, "that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11 -- Ministry of Healing, p. 503, 504.

Day #10

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness -- Proverbs 31:26, 27.

Live in the sunshine of the Saviour's love. Then your influence will bless the world. Let the Spirit of Christ control you. Let the law of kindness be ever on your lips. Forbearance and unselfishness mark the words and actions of those who are born again, to live the new life in Christ.

"None of us liveth to himself." The character will manifest itself. The looks, the tone of the voice, the actions,--all have their influence in making or marring the happiness of the domestic circle. They are moulding the temper and character of the children; they are inspiring or tending to destroy confidence and love. All are made either better or worse, happy or miserable, by these influences. We owe our families the knowledge of the word brought into practical life. All that it is possible for us to be to purify, enlighten, comfort, and encourage those connected with us in family relation should be done -- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 50.

(To A Sister) I have received a letter from your husband. I would say that there is only one thing for which a husband may lawfully separate from his wife or a wife from her husband, and that is adultery.

If your dispositions are not congenial, would it not be for the glory of God for you to change these dispositions?

A husband and wife should cultivate respect and affection for each other. They should guard the spirit, the words, and the actions so that nothing will be said or done to irritate or annoy. Each is to have a care for the other, doing all in their power to strengthen their mutual affection.

I tell you both to seek the Lord. In love and kindness do your duty one to the other...My sister, you cannot please God by maintaining your present attitude. Forgive your husband. He is your husband, and you will be blessed in striving to be a dutiful, affectionate wife. Let the law of kindness be on your lips. You can and must change your attitude.

You must both study how you can assimilate, instead of differing, with one another....The use of mild, gentle methods will make a surprising difference in your lives -- Adventist Home, p. 345.

Day #11

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife -- 1 Corinthians 7:10, 11.

Paul reinforces his inspired command by referring to the plain teaching given by Christ Himself. Inasmuch as Jesus had spoken specifically on this subject the apostle could make such a reference. When there was no specific instruction from Jesus, the apostle gave fresh, inspired counsel. The Saviour, declared that the marriage bond was sacred and unchangeable (see Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18). The command of Jesus leaves no room for the many excuses for legal separation that are accepted by the civil courts today, such as incompatibility, mental cruelty, and others of a more trivial nature. The Greek and Roman laws allowed separation of husband and wife for trifling reasons. The same was true also among the Jews. This condition of society no doubt influenced the Christians to raise the question of the propriety of separation among believers. The answer is clearly stated; divorce is not in God's perfect plan for humanity. The only reason for which divorce is permitted is adultery.

The prominence here given to the wife may be accounted for on the basis that there was a greater inclination for the wife to obtain a divorce. Being the weaker party, she was more liable to suffer oppression at the hands of an unbelieving companion. Or, perhaps, the letter of inquiry dealt with a particular case in which the woman was contemplating leaving her husband.

If she depart or, "if she separate herself." This statement is virtually an admission that the command given in the preceding verse would not be fully obeyed in the imperfect condition of the church. There would be cases of matrimonial differences that would not be overcome by affection and Christian forbearance, and separation would result. In such cases the rejected or separated wife should not marry another person, but she should seek reconciliation with her husband -- Seventh-day Adventist Commentary, [1 Corinthians 7:10, 11].

Day #12

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man -- Romans 7:2, 3.

Paul's point in these verses is that death brings freedom from the law. It is true in marriage. A woman is bound to her husband by the law of marriage. To go to another man would be adultery. But if her husband dies, she is no longer bound but is released from the law and is free to marry another. In a similar way (even Paul must have known the analogy wasn't perfect), as we (see) in the previous chapter, Christians have died with Christ. This death releases us from the law -- Abundant Life Bible Amplifier - Romans, p. 144.

Day #13

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery -- Mark 10:12.

Thou shalt not commit adultery. This prohibition covers not only adultery but fornication and impurity of any and every kind in act, word, and thought (Matt. 5:27, 28). This, our third duty toward our "neighbour," is to respect and honour the bond upon which the family is built, that of the marriage relationship, which to the Christian is as precious as life itself (see Heb. 13:4). Marriage makes the husband and wife "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). To be untrue to this sacred union or to lead another to do so is to despise that which is sacred and to commit a crime as well. Throughout human history it has not generally been considered a grievous offence for the husband to become an adulterer. If, however, the wife did so, she has been dealt with most severely. Society speaks of the "fallen woman," but little is said of the "fallen man." The commandment applies with equal force to both husband and wife (Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8) -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Exodus 20:14].

Day #14

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him -- 1 Corinthians 7:13.

If the (spouse) is an unbeliever and an opposer, the (other person) cannot, in view of the law of God, put (them) away on this ground alone. In order to be in harmony with the law of Jehovah, (they) must abide with (them) unless (they choose themselves) to depart. (You) may suffer opposition and be oppressed and annoyed in many ways; (you) will find (your) comfort and (your) strength and support from God, who is able to give grace for every emergency. (You) should be a (person) of pure mind, of truly decided, firm principles, and God will give (you) wisdom in regard to the course which (you) should pursue. Impulse will not control (your) reason, but reason will hold the lines of control in her firm hand, that lust shall be held under bit and bridle -- Adventist Home, p. 344, 245.

Day #15

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? -- 1 Corinthians 7:16.

It should be the labour and study of those who are married to make each other as easy and happy as possible. It is the plain duty of those in so near a relation to seek the salvation of those whom they are related. "Do not separate. There is (an)other duty now called for. The conjugal relation calls for the most close and endeared affection; it is a contract for life. And should a Christian desert a mate, when the opportunity offers to give the most glorious proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of your relative. Endeavour to save a soul. Who knows but this may be the event? It is not impossible. And, though there be no great probability, saving a soul is so good and glorious a service that the bare possibility should put one on exerting one's self." Mere possibility of success should be a sufficient motive with us to use our diligent endeavours for saving the souls of our relatives. "What know I but I may save his soul?" should move me to attempt it -- Matthew Henry Study Bible (KJV), p. 2386.