Marriage

The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of strong marriages built on trust.

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,” it says in a description of a virtuous woman. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:11, 28).

In contrast, another passage warns, “Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Proverbs 6:32).

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob condemned what he called “wicked practices” (Jacob 1:15) and “grosser crimes” (Jacob 2:23). Many men were excusing marital infidelity, justifying their behavior because of the many wives and concubines of King David and Solomon. Jacob pointed out to them what should have been obvious: the erosion of trust within their families.

“Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives,” he said, “and lost the confidence of your children. … And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds” (Jacob 2:35).

“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband” (Proverbs 12:4). And the reverse is equally true: a virtuous husband is a crown to his wife. How joyful is a happy marriage, built on a foundation of trust and trustworthiness! And how much sorrow follows when that trust is betrayed.

Jacob offered the following description of strong families among the enemies of his people, the Lamanites: “Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children” (Jacob 3:7). Strong marriages provide stability not only for the marriage partners but also for their children.

Today I will continue to build trust within my family relationships, and especially within my marriage. I will value my relationship with my wife and will strive to live in a way that builds her joy and confidence.