17 Marriage Devotional: Wisdom That Strengthens Your Marriage

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In this week’s episode of the Marriage After God Podcast, we talk about something every married couple desires but doesn’t always pursue correctly—wisdom.

If we want healthy marriages, strong families, and deeper intimacy, it begins here.

Wisdom Begins With the Fear of the Lord​

The Bible tells us clearly:

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” – Job 28:28

True wisdom doesn’t come from culture, trending opinions, or even intellectual knowledge. It comes from God.

In Proverbs 8, wisdom is personified as being present before the foundations of the world were laid. That means wisdom predates us. It predates creation. God created the world in wisdom. And if we want to build something lasting—especially our marriage—we must build it the same way.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

If we want godly wisdom in marriage, we must go to God’s Word.

Knowledge Is Not Enough​

One of the biggest distinctions we made is this:

• Wisdom is not just knowing what’s right.
• Wisdom is doing what’s right.

James reminds us:

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” – James 1:22

We can read Scripture daily and still walk in foolishness if we don’t apply it.

We see this clearly in Eve’s story. She knew God’s command. But instead of trusting His wisdom, she sought her own understanding. Foolishness isn’t ignorance—it’s knowing truth and choosing not to walk in it.

James 4:17 says:

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

Godly Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom​

There is a stark contrast between the two.

Worldly wisdom:

• Driven by selfish ambition
• Fluctuates with culture
• Often tears down

Godly wisdom:

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Full of mercy
• Produces good fruit

“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits…” – James 3:17

When our decisions are rooted in selfish ambition—even if we call them “wise”—they produce disorder. But when they flow from God, they build up.

The Fruit of Walking in Wisdom in Marriage​

When we apply God’s wisdom to our lives, we’ve personally experienced real fruit in our marriage.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Trust – Integrity builds security.
• Financial freedom – Living within our means brings peace.
• Physical health & energy – Self-control leads to strength.
• Emotional stability – Guarding our hearts steadies our home.
• Deeper intimacy – Obedience produces oneness.

Proverbs says:

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” – Proverbs 24:3

We have seen this firsthand. Nearly 20 years into marriage, we can say that when we align our lives with God’s Word—especially in areas like forgiveness, encouragement, sexual intimacy, and conflict resolution—our connection deepens emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Ask for Wisdom​

The good news? We don’t have to manufacture wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously.” – James 1:5

God delights in giving wisdom to His children.

So this week, we encourage you:

• Identify areas where you need wisdom.
• Write them down.
• Pray specifically for God’s guidance.
• Then act on what He shows you.

Wisdom begins by becoming men and women of the Word.

Let’s not just know it.

Let’s walk in it.

Episode Summary​

Main Theme:​

True wisdom in marriage begins with the fear of the Lord and is proven through obedience, not just knowledge.

I. Introduction: Why Wisdom Matters in Marriage​

• Week 17 of the 30-Week Marriage Devotional Series
• Based on Husband After God and Wife After God
• Wisdom is a divine attribute of God
• We cannot be omniscient like God — but we can participate in His wisdom
• Every marriage decision flows from the kind of wisdom we follow

Key Scripture:

• Job 28:28 – “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.”

II. Wisdom Existed Before Creation​

• Proverbs 8: Wisdom personified
• Wisdom witnessed the foundations of the earth
• God created the world through wisdom
• Marriage should be built the same way

III. The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom​

• Knowledge = knowing what’s right
• Wisdom = doing what’s right
• Foolishness = knowing truth but not acting on it
• Eve’s example in Genesis — seeking knowledge apart from God
• James 1:22 – Be doers of the Word

Practical Application:

• Taking the way of escape in temptation
• Speaking gently instead of reacting in anger
• Forgiving instead of holding bitterness
• Encouraging your spouse instead of staying silent

IV. Godly Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom​

Worldly Wisdom:​

• Rooted in selfish ambition
• Driven by pride
• Fluctuates with culture
• Produces disorder

Godly Wisdom:​

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Full of mercy
• Produces righteousness

Key Scripture:

• James 3:13–18
• 1 Corinthians 1:26–31

Marriage Insight:
Selfish ambition disguised as “wisdom” can damage a family.

V. Benefits of Walking in Godly Wisdom in Marriage​

1. Trust in Your Marriage​

• Integrity builds security
• Walking in obedience builds reliability
• Wisdom builds up; foolishness tears down

2. Financial Freedom​

• Living within your means
• Practicing generosity
• Developing a debt-free mindset

3. Physical Health & Energy​

• Stewarding your body
• Self-control in diet and habits
• Rest and exercise

4. Emotional Stability​

• Taking thoughts captive
• Guarding your heart
• Responding instead of reacting

5. Deeper Intimacy​

• Unity in prayer
• Sexual faithfulness and understanding
• Forgiveness and oneness
• Applying biblical instruction to marriage

Key Scripture:

• Proverbs 24:3–4 – “By wisdom a house is built…”

VI. Leadership and Wisdom in the Home​

• A wise husband leads safely and securely
• A wise wife inspires and strengthens the home
• Wisdom blesses the entire family
• Children are shaped by the consistency they see

VII. Asking God for Wisdom​

• James 1:5 – Ask and He gives generously
• Example of King Solomon
• Wisdom brings fruit beyond what we ask for

VIII. Discussion Questions​

1. What areas of your life do you desire more wisdom?
2. How would walking in greater obedience affect your marriage?
3. Are there decisions you’ve labeled “wise” that may have been rooted in selfish ambition?

IX. Weekly Challenge​

• Evaluate areas in your marriage where you need wisdom
• Make a written list
• Pray specifically for wisdom
• Act on what God reveals

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