Relevant Bible account(s):

• Ge 24:1-4, 7​—Aged Abraham is determined to find a wife for his son Isaac from among those who serve Jehovah, not from among the Canaanites, who worship other gods

• Ge 28:1-4​—Isaac directs his son Jacob to find a wife from among fellow believers, not from among the Canaanites

Relevant Bible account(s):

• 1Ki 11:1-6, 9-11​—Jehovah becomes furious at King Solomon for ignoring divine warnings, for marrying foreign wives, and for allowing them to corrupt his heart

• Ne 13:23-27​—Reflecting Jehovah’s righteous anger, Governor Nehemiah disciplines and corrects the wayward people who married unbelievers from various lands

Relevant Bible account(s):

• 1Sa 25:2, 3, 14-17​—Nabal is a wealthy man, but he is harsh and abusive, making him a poor husband for Abigail

• Pr 21:9​—Choosing an unsuitable mate can make us unhappy and rob us of our peace

• Ro 7:2​—The apostle Paul explains that when a woman marries, she comes under a measure of authority exercised by her imperfect human husband; therefore, a wise woman is careful about whom she accepts as a mate

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Pr 24:27​—Before a man marries and possibly fathers children, he should work hard so that he is ready to support a family

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Ru 2:4-7, 10-12​—Boaz learns about Ruth by observing her work habits and by considering reliable reports about her reputation, her dealings with her family, and her spirituality

• Ru 2:8, 9, 20​—Ruth learns about Boaz by observing his kindness, his generosity, and his love for Jehovah

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Pr 5:18, 19​—Some physical expressions of affection are reserved for married couples

• Ca 1:2; 2:6​—During courtship, the shepherd boy and the Shulammite maiden exchange clean expressions of endearment, not unclean expressions of sexual passion

• Ca 4:12; 8:8-10​—The Shulammite girl remains chaste and shows self-control; she is like a locked garden

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Ge 21:8-12​—Jehovah directs Abraham to listen to his wife, Sarah, even though her suggestion displeases him

• Pr 31:10, 11, 16, 28​—The wise husband of a capable wife, as described in these verses, is neither controlling nor faultfinding; rather, he trusts his wife and praises her

• Eph 5:33​—The apostle Paul’s inspired words suggest that a wife has a special need to sense her husband’s love for her

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Pr 1:8; 1Co 7:4​—In marriage and in family life, the wife and mother exerts a measure of God-given authority

• 1Co 11:3​—The apostle Paul explains that in Jehovah’s arrangement, all are under some form of headship except God Almighty himself

• Heb 13:7, 17​—In the congregation, both men and women are to be in subjection and obedient to those assigned to take the lead

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Ge 18:12; 1Pe 3:5, 6​—Sarah accords her husband deep respect, considering him to be her “lord,” or spiritual head, even in her thoughts

Relevant Bible account(s):

• Ge 24:62-67​—Rebekah helps her husband, Isaac, to find comfort after the loss of his mother

• 1Sa 25:14-24, 32-38​—Abigail protects her foolish husband and saves her household by humbly appealing to David

• Es 4:6-17; 5:1-8; 7:1-6; 8:3-6​—Queen Esther risks her life twice by approaching unsummoned her husband, the king, to plead for the protection of God’s people