“Prepare your outside work; make it fit for yourself in the field and afterward build your house” (Proverbs 24:27).
“A marriage made in heaven still has to pay its bills on earth.”
The Holy Scriptures recognize the accuracy of both parts of that quote. God Himself created and blessed marriage. It is a divine institution. Therefore, it is lofty and uniquely glorious. Marriage also has a mundane side to it. Cash, not love, is necessary to buy the groceries, pay the bills, and keep a family sheltered and clothed.
It should be carefully noted that at the beginning of human history Adam had an occupation (Gen. 2:15) before he was blessed with a wife (Gen. 2:25) and children (Gen. 4:1-2, 17). In the language of Solomon’s proverb, Adam’s outside work was prepared before his home was built.
There are many things about a couple’s marriage and their future which cannot be known on their wedding day. But wise family planning asks: Does he have an occupation/Has he prepared his outside work? and Does he have a vigorous work ethic? Until the answer to both of these questions is a resounding “YES!”, wise family planning says the wedding date has not yet arrived.
