Gender Differences are God Designed

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. (Proverbs 11:16)

Proverbs 11:16 tells us that a strong man’s job is to hold on to his money with all his strength and ability. It explains that in the same way, a woman is to hold onto her honor. The idea that there is no difference between genders is not only non-scientific and non-sociological, but entirely against God’s Word. Real Christians who read and trust the Bible fully reject the notion of gender fluidity and cultural relativism. There are physical, psychological, and philological differences between men and women. This isn’t a mistake or a product of social engineering. This is God’s design for humanity.

No matter how they try to dress someone or what they surgically alter, if you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig. A male can put on wigs and makeup and even have surgery. It doesn’t change who he is. It doesn’t change his genetic makeup. Even if he walks like a woman and talks like a woman, he has no business being around little girls or playing sports against women.

If it weren’t so tragic, it would almost be hilarious to find that the same people who used to say “Follow the science” are also the people who say that a man can be a woman. That doesn’t even make sense based on their so-called science. Yes, there is a difference between men and women. That does not mean that women are inferior to men. God designed women to be amazingly different. When a woman focuses on her honor and character, people will praise her. Marriage, as ordained by God, isn't a union of uniformity but a connection of diversities. Men and women are remarkably different, and it is in those differences, united by God, that we can honor and serve and help one another to our greatest extent.

Practical Application

Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, celebrate them! If you are married, recognize that your spouse's strengths may complement your weaknesses, and vice versa. If unmarried, respect and honor those of the opposite sex around you.

Proverbs 31:30; 1 Samuel 25:32

Seeking True Wealth

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23:5-7)

Proverbs 23:5-7 explains that material wealth isn’t sustainable. It uses the metaphor of your money sprouting wings and soaring away like an eagle towards heaven. It doesn’t stay. Money comes and goes, and if we are grasping for it, it will leave us empty and constantly yearning for something more substantial.

The Proverb also warns against coveting the possessions of those with an evil eye. That means those whose hearts are not aligned with God and have no generosity in their heart. When people pursue wealth at the expense of integrity, they end up empty.

In this day and age, success is often defined by how many things we possess. People try to prove that they’re wealthy by showing off material abundance. It's easy for believers to get caught up in the pursuit of possessions, trying to prove their worth or even their faith.

Open any app or turn on any TV and you will be bombarded with messages that tell you that you need the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, and the biggest houses to be happy and fulfilled. But the truth is that none of those things will fulfill you.

True riches are found in relationships. Spending money on making memories and blessing the people who are around you will be worth more to you in the long run than any expensive car or piece of jewelry. Don’t let your ego get caught up in your finances. Decide to spend your money on what is irreplaceable and precious: the relationships that God has brought into your life.

Practical Application

Look at your expenditures. Are there things you are spending too much money on that are only for your own ego? Adjust as led by the Holy Spirit and find the opportunities to spend money on the people and organizations that really matter to you.

Psalm 39:6; Ecclesiastes 1:2

Diligent People

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. (Proverbs 10:4)

Rich is a word that conjures up different ideas in people’s minds. Maybe it makes you think of someone who owns a mansion, or someone who is the owner of a large business. God’s riches are so much more than mere finances. God wants you to live in a richness of life.

How can we see that richness live in our lives? Proverbs 10:4 says that we must be diligent.

The term diligent describes people who are determined and committed to excellence in everything they put their hand to do. They are the ones who understand that success is not achieved through wishful thinking or by making others work for you. Real, Godly success is found through hard work and perseverance.

The media and world around us push and pursue instant gratification, where we can get mediocre results from shortcuts and doing things halfway. The Bible teaches us that believers must have a heart of diligence if we want to see true prosperity.

This verse also implies how important it is to make wise choices in our relationships, especially in matters as significant as marriage. Don’t just date someone because of their physical characteristics or bank account. You need to consider the character of the person and the values and goals they live their life by. Marriage is not about finding someone to fulfill our needs or make us whole. It's about finding a partner that we can share our journey, support each other's growth, and contribute to each other's happiness. A Godly marriage is based on how well we can give, not just receive.

Practical Application

Think about your current relationships, especially romantic ones. Are they diligent individuals? Look beyond surface-level qualities and consider whether they share your values, work ethic, and long-term goals. Get out of friendships that aren’t pointing you in the right direction and pray that your spouse practices diligence in everything they do.

Proverbs 6:6; 2 Corinthians 6:14