Young ladies, now it is your turn! Previously, we considered some advice from the Book of Proverbs to any young man who is seeking a wife. Now, let’s observe some similar words of ancient wisdom to any young lady who desires to marry a Godly man.

What is the most important quality to find in a potential husband? Some look for confidence in leadership. Others want a man with independence and financial stability. Still others are waiting for a young gentleman with a handsome face, strong body, and a willingness to work hard. All of these things are good, but the most important quality of all is that a young man is teachable. Yes, he does not know everything now, but he ought to be willing to learn. As God defines it, to be teachable as a young man is to be wise.

A wise man knows how to listen well

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5). As God defines a wise man, it is not the man who thinks he knows it all. Rather, it is the man who realizes that he does not know it all. This man is more eager to hear than he is to speak. He seeks to learn before he proposes to instruct. Young ladies, beware of any young man who is prone to talk too much! Look for a man who has cultivated the ability to listen.

A wise man honors his parents

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck” (Proverbs 1:8–9). Any young man who dishonors his mother has set the pattern of conduct that, if not repented of and made right, will eventually lead him to dishonor his wife. Young ladies who consider it cute or funny when a young man mocks or belittles his parents will realize all too soon that his mocking eye and mouth will soon see and speak similarly about her! Look for a man who speaks well of his father, holds the door open for his mother, and honors and heeds his parents’ counsel. Such a young man is wise by God’s definition.

A wise man is grateful for the Lord’s chastening

“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Proverbs 3:11–12). None of us naturally like chastening, which Biblically, is for the purpose of refining and purifying so that we may be more like Christ. A young man who chafes and complains when he is rebuked is a man destined for failure if he does not repent. Young ladies, look for a man who receives God’s chastening hand with gratitude.

A wise man is humble and graciously welcomes criticism

“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (Proverbs 9:8). Nobody likes to be criticized! But criticism is often the way that wisdom is packaged and even may come disguised as a rebuke. A young man who hates reproof is a fool. But the young man who loves his critic and seeks to learn from the reproof will prove himself truly to be wise.

Young ladies who desire a wise husband should desire a young man who meets these Biblical qualifications given in the Book of Proverbs. With God’s blessing, such a pair can truly live happily ever after.