The Needed Guidebook

Not too long ago a young man named Alex discovered this guidebook. Alex had a background of delinquency, heavy drinking and drug abuse. Additionally, he was a disillusioned Vietnam veteran. He had a young wife and a new baby, but his marriage was traversing rocky terrain. One morning, after he had hosted an all-night drinking party for some ex-army buddies at his home, his wife said: “You are neglecting me. You forget I am even around!”

Happily, Alex and his wife consulted the guidebook. Soon after, he reported: “We have lost most of our old friends, but we are happy . . . especially as man and wife. I can’t express the beauty​—it’s a feeling beyond words. . . . Our personalities have changed and our family looks at us with admiration.”

What was the guidebook that showed Alex and his wife the way from matrimonial discord to a happy marriage? It was the Bible. This book, though ancient, gives more wise, effective counsel on happy marriages than any other source available today.

A husband in Korea used to beat his wife when he was under the influence of alcohol. His wife did not seek to end the relationship, even though life was difficult. To her, the goal of a happy marriage was worth aiming for. Hence, unilaterally, she followed the Bible’s counsel, particularly its advice to wives that they cultivate “the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”​—1 Peter 3:4.

For eleven years she endured. Was it worth it? Yes, because eventually her husband was moved to look into the guidebook for himself. Why? If you asked him, he would answer that his wife’s “quiet and mild spirit” moved him to find out the secret of her fine conduct. He saw the wisdom of the Bible’s advice and changed his ways.