Here is an illustration of the different roles in marriage: A husband’s job is like that of a thermostat, to set the temperature in the home. The wife’s job is like that of a thermometer, to give a temperature reading. And the reading of the thermometer should indicate the setting of the thermostat. If a man wants a warm wife, he can’t bring home frosty weather. Here is another illustration of the two different roles in marriage: For grapevines to become the most fruitful, their branches have to be elevated, so vinedressers tie them to a post for support. As grapes mature and grow, the vine becomes too heavy and begins to drag on the ground. Elevation keeps the grapes off the soil, and helps them receive the whole benefit of the sun. After a while, the branches start to spread along the post where they’re tied. Because they have been stabilised, they’re free to climb and spread and maximise their potential for fruitfulness. In the same way, when a husband provides stability in the home, it allows a woman to feel secure and cared for. She is then free to thrive, to grow, and to be fruitful. Again Solomon weighs in with his wisdom: ‘Live happily with the woman you love…The wife God gives you is your reward…Whatever you do, do well’ (vv. 9-10 NLT). The time, love, and attention you invest in your wife will bring you a reward of great blessing, satisfaction, and fulfilment. And when you do your part, you can count on God to do His.
