HOME THERAPY SERIES: THE LAW OF KINDNESS

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (Proverbs 31:26). 

In Proverbs 31:26, the Bible introduces the law of kindness as an essential key to a happy home. Because this law is sandwiched in the midst of a discussion on the virtuous woman, it is often overlooked as a requirement for both the husband and the wife. However, the husband must be kind to the wife just as the wife must be kind to her husband in order to have a great relationship. 

Benevolence is the word used in the New Testament to point us to this key and it means exactly the same thing as kindness. The husband is to render due benevolence to the wife and vice versa (1 Corinthians 7:3). I consider that there is no benevolence that is too much to show to your spouse. All benevolence is due to your spouse. 

I also consider that a husband cannot be too kind to the mother of his children, neither can a wife be too kind to the father of her children. While it is important to be kind to all, your spouse deserves such kindness that you may never show to anyone else. Spouses will do well to always remember that being kind is more important than being right if we shall have enduring peace in the home. 

Kindness or benevolence goes beyond being merely good. It is being affectionate, favorable, mild, gentle and forgiving. Kindness releases undeserved goodness and elicits unmerited favours. Kindness is a vital ingredient of love (1 Corinthians 13:4), and very useful to constantly renews conjugal passion. 

Indeed, just as the Bible talks of the virtuous woman, we also need virtuous men possessing all the key attributes of trustworthiness, industry, diligence, initiative, vision, liberality, kindness, etcetera spoken about in Proverbs 31. In a home where one of the partners operates by the law of kindness and the partner is insensitive, trouble won't be too far away.