“Her Husband Also, and He Praiseth Her”
THE words at the head of this article are found in the Bible, and refer to what the true husband says about his faithful wife. The children also catch the spirit. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Prov. 31:28. What a beautiful description of the true home is found in this last chapter of Proverbs. It ought often to be read by every member of the family. The virtuous wife and mother seems to be the central figure in the home. She is industrious. She interests herself in all that is of interest to her loved ones. She becomes a safe counselor both for her husband and for the children. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” This settles at one stroke the pocketbook question. There is no spoil of the family. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.” Because of these admirable sterling qualities, praise is her due; and the true husband—not so silly as to be filled with petty jealousies—will be first in speaking to her praise. Is this a sign of weakness on his part?—Far from it; it is a sign of nobility of soul. It is true manliness, and every time such heart-felt commendation is given her, he is helped in becoming a better man, a better husband. How often we see, instead of the manifestation of this noble spirit, a spirit of nagging at little offenses, until the spirit is well-nigh crushed, and life becomes a drudgery, whereas it might be a round of real pleasure, all for the lack of a little commendation and praise. Praise and flattery are two very distinct and separate terms. Praise is simply the acknowledgment on the part of others of real merit and worth. Flattery passes real merit, and seeks to make those flattered think they are of real worth when they are not. Appreciation brings out the best qualities. Under censure they are dwarfed. For fear of making some mistake, the wife or children refrain from doing many things they otherwise would, consequently the result is sure to follow—a withering of the powers through lack of exercise. If you appreciate the one who is seeking to do you good, tell her so. Her casket covered with costly garlands can not atone for their omission now. Husbands, fathers, when things seem to go wrong, and you hardly know what to do or say, try a little praise, and see what that will do. It works well. Try it.