That eminent commentator, Matthew Henry, well writes what is commonly said among good commentators regarding Proverbs 18:22 thus: "1. A good wife is a great blessing to a man. He that finds a wife (that is, a wife indeed; a bad wife does not deserve to be called by a name of so much honor), that finds a help meet for him (that is a wife in the original acceptation of the word), that sought such a one with care and prayer and has found what he sought, he has found a good thing, a jewel of great value, a rare jewel; he has found that which will not only contribute more than any thing to his comfort in this life, but will forward him in the way to heaven. 2. God is to be acknowledged in it with thankfulness; it is a token of his favor, and a happy pledge of further favors; it is a sign that God delights in a man to do him good and has mercy in store for him; for this, therefore, God must be sought unto." But he likewise neglects what these commentators also neglect. How deeply should he cherish and sacrificially love the one the Lord has given to him? Each man ought not lose sight of the favor shown in the wife given. The Savior loves the imperfect bride given to him. – Matthew Henry |
