Choosing of a Husband or Wife
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will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this life? If these reflections
present no drawback, then in the fear of God move forward.
The choice of a life companion should be such as best to secure
physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for parents and for their
children—such as will enable both parents and children to bless their
fellow men and to honor their Creator.
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Qualities to Be Sought in a Prospective Wife
Let a young man seek one to stand by his side who is fitted to
bear her share of life’s burdens, one whose influence will ennoble and
refine him, and who will make him happy in her love.
“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” “The heart of her husband doth
safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of
her life.” “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. Her children arise up, and call
her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” saying, “Many
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” He who
gains such a wife “findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the
Lord.”
Here are things which should be considered: Will the one you
marry bring happiness to your home? Is [she] an economist, or will
she, if married, not only use all her own earnings, but all of yours to
gratify a vanity, a love of appearance? Are her principles correct in
this direction? Has she anything now to depend upon?... I know that to
the mind of a man infatuated with love and thoughts of marriage these
questions will be brushed away as though they were of no consequence.
But these things should be duly considered, for they have a bearing
upon your future life.
In your choice of a wife study her character. Will she be one who
will be patient and painstaking? Or will she cease to care for your
mother and father at the very time when they need a strong son to lean
upon? And will she withdraw him from their society to carry out her
plans and to suit her own pleasure, and leave the father and mother
who, instead of gaining an affectionate daughter, will have lost a son?