Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

To my knowledge, the Bible is not quite as explicit about a woman looking for a husband as it is (for example, in the verse cited in the question) about a man looking for and finding a wife. However, it seems to me that there are passages that shed light on this issue. 

I am particularly reminded of the book of Ruth, where Ruth (the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi), with Naomi's help and guidance, actively sought out Naomi's kinsman Boaz for the purpose of marrying him, so that she might have someone to support her, and so that the family's bloodline might be continued. And God blessed their marriage when Ruth gave birth to Obed, who turned out to be the grandfather of David, which also made Ruth (even though she was a Moabite by birth rather than an Israelite) an ancestor of Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 7:2, Paul says, "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." To me, this implies "action" on the part of both the man and the woman. Why else would a woman be encouraged or urged to have a husband, if it were a process in which she was to be totally lacking in initiative, or that depended entirely on the man's actions?

God created men and women to be attracted to one another. In my view, restrictions on how or by whom that attraction "should" be expressed or brought about, are more the product of societal norms, rather than God-given imperatives. 

(On a personal note, I met my wife of thirty years -- whom I firmly believe to be the woman whom God intended for me -- through a dating forum, and it was her willingness to make known her availability and her interest in meeting a suitable partner, that allowed us to find each other.)

August 25 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Michael Nielsen

1 Corinthians 7:8 Recommends the unmarried stay unmarried unless one cannot control their passions. This is recommended because of what it says in 1 Corinthians 7:32, "I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord." And in 1 Corinthians 7:34, "...An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs." 

By staying unmarried one can more easily follow God. A married person will have to split their attention on God and also upon their spouse (the world). Now, in the end, it is my opinion that if one can find a spouse who has a passion for the Lord and a strong faith, this problem of marriage can be circumvented. Two people with a faith in God I believe can be stronger together than alone.

August 27 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report