The Tribune

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.”

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

MANY Christian Bahamians weighed in on the scripture of “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.” Some in agreement, some with other views, as they told Tribune Religion.

Many movies and television shows used the Proverbs 18:22 scripture to describe how important a marriage union is.

For example, international movie star, writer and producer, Tyler Perry is no stranger to using biblical scriptures in his big screen films.

One local recalls “Meet The Browns The Play” written by Perry, where the actor David Mann, played as “Mr Brown,” was speaking to a family member and made reference to the scripture followed by a song.

“I think he was speaking to his nephew that was having problems with his wife, or wife to be at the time. I watched that play years ago and that line “He who finds a wife finds a good thing,” because that is what Brown said, always stood out to me.

All in all, you can have as many relationships you want in trying to “find yourself,” but I guarantee you will lose yourself along the way if that’s the path you chose to continue on. One day, you will have to put down the player’s hat, and go and commit before God,” the local told Tribune Religion.

Jessica Forbes, a Baptist Church member, said this scripture not only relates to men, but it goes for women as well.

“He who finds a husband, also finds a good thing. I’ve known people who have been in relationships for years on end and refuse to get married. People have their reasons but marriage is special and it is important, the bible says so. You are committed to each other because you live together, but at the end of the day that is just it, you just live together. Every Christian woman wants to be called a wife, and every Christian man wants to be labelled as husband. I’ve been married for three years and I wear my title well. I found my good thing and my husband found his,” said Jessica.

With opposing views, Frank Spencer, a Methodist Church member, said he would not advise anyone to “rush to get married” if it is not in their heart to do.

“I think the scripture can be read and interpreted in so many ways than one. Yes it says he who finds a wife, finds a good thing, but it doesn’t say get married because your girlfriend wants to, or your mom wants to. This is how people end up getting married and divorced, until it becomes a cycle. I say take as much time as you want until you yourself feels it is right to make that woman your wife. There are a lot of good women out there that make good girlfriends, but not all good women make good wives. It is a totally different ball game when you jump that broom,” said Frank.
Carl Cooper said he understands the scripture, but he does not believe it is saying a man has to go on a journey to find his “good wife.”

“At the end of the day, God has the last say anyway. So I don’t think the scripture is saying as a man, you should go on this journey or hunt to find this good woman. This all leads back to “What is meant to be, will be.” If two people are meant to be together, they will be together, no matter how they found each other,” said Carl.