Top 10 Old Testament Teachings on Strengthening Marriages

Marriage, like a thriving garden, requires time, nurturing, and intentional care. The Old Testament, rich in wisdom and divine instruction, offers powerful guidance on how to build and maintain a strong, faithful, and loving marital relationship. Whether you are newly married or have spent decades with your spouse, the principles found in Scripture remain timeless.

Start your journey of reflection with a warm cup of our Apricot Peach Green Tea—a blend that soothes the soul while invigorating your senses. As you read through each passage, let each sip be a moment to meditate, communicate, and renew your heart toward your marriage.

1. Genesis 2:24 

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

This foundational verse reveals the sacred bond that forms when two individuals marry. Leaving one's parents and cleaving to a spouse is not just a physical act but an emotional and spiritual transition that redefines priorities. Marriage is not simply a partnership; it is a union that blends two lives into one, forming a powerful covenant before God. In this unity, trust, transparency, and support must be present. It requires effort to leave behind former attachments and to fully embrace the journey of togetherness. This verse reminds us that unity doesn't come by default—it must be chosen daily. As you sip your tea, reflect on the areas in your marriage that need deeper unity and ask God for grace to grow stronger together.

2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow..."

This passage highlights the strength and support that come from companionship in marriage. God designed us for partnership so that we might not walk through life alone. The image of lifting one another when one falls paints a picture of compassion, mutual strength, and unwavering presence. In the hard seasons, your spouse should be your first line of comfort and help. This shared strength isn't just about emotional support—it includes working together toward goals, parenting, finances, and spiritual growth. Success and failure become shared experiences, strengthening the bond with every trial and triumph. Let this scripture encourage you to not walk alone, but to see your spouse as the ally God has given you.

3. Proverbs 18:22

 "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord."

This verse is a powerful declaration of the blessing that comes with marriage. Finding a spouse is not a burden—it is a sign of divine favor. A godly wife is described as a good thing, which speaks to her virtue, wisdom, and ability to enrich the life of her husband. It’s a reminder that God honors marriage and delights in those who embrace it with sincerity and faithfulness. This also challenges spouses to view one another not with criticism but with gratitude. Marriage, at its best, reflects God's favor and grace toward us. Rejoice in the blessing of your spouse and nurture that gift with honor, kindness, and daily devotion.

4. Song of Solomon 7:10

 "I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me."

This verse expresses deep intimacy, belonging, and mutual desire. It captures the emotional and physical closeness that is not only permissible in marriage but celebrated. In the context of a godly union, desire becomes a holy expression of love, respect, and affirmation. The wife speaks with assurance, knowing that she is cherished by her beloved. This kind of confidence comes from consistent love and intentional pursuit within marriage. It reminds couples to express affection, admiration, and assurance regularly. Marriage should be a sanctuary where each person feels desired, secure, and valued. Make space in your day to express this love, whether through words, a touch, or simply sharing tea together.

5. Proverbs 5:18-19

 "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe..."

This passage emphasizes marital joy, physical intimacy, and emotional fidelity. Rejoicing with the spouse of your youth is not just a suggestion but a command to remain faithful, joyful, and passionate throughout the seasons of marriage. It combats the cultural lie that love grows stale over time. Instead, it teaches us that joy in marriage must be cultivated, protected, and renewed. The imagery of a loving hind and pleasant roe speaks of grace, beauty, and deep affection. God designed marriage to be a source of delight and satisfaction. Take time to rediscover joy in your marriage by appreciating the blessings you already have.

6. Deuteronomy 24:5

 "When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war... but shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken."

This law reveals God’s care for the emotional foundation of a new marriage. It shows that God values the early moments of building a home and relationship more than military or civic duty. The phrase "cheer up his wife" means to invest emotionally, spiritually, and relationally into the marriage. Establishing a strong beginning sets the tone for the entire journey ahead. While not all can take a year off today, the principle remains—prioritize your marriage above outside commitments when needed. Especially in the beginning or during critical seasons, be present. This verse is a call to intentional investment, quality time, and loving support.

7. Ecclesiastes 9:9

"Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity..."

Solomon, with all his wisdom, points to joy in marriage as one of the greatest gifts in this life. Despite life's fleeting nature and inevitable trials, a joyful marriage can be a source of strength, comfort, and purpose. Joy doesn’t mean perfection; it means finding contentment, laughter, and shared meaning even in ordinary moments. The verse invites us to not just endure marriage, but to embrace it with delight. It affirms the emotional dimension of marriage and encourages couples to intentionally pursue happiness together. Whether in conversation, play, prayer, or sipping tea together—seek joy.

8. Genesis 24:67

"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her..."

This simple yet profound moment marks the beginning of Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage. What's powerful is that love grew from commitment—not the other way around. Isaac didn’t wait to feel love before entering the covenant; he chose commitment, and love followed. This verse teaches us that love is often the fruit of loyalty, not just its seed. In a culture that often emphasizes feelings first, this verse reorients us to God’s model: covenant before emotion. Isaac brought Rebekah into a sacred space—his mother’s tent—which also speaks to heritage and intentionality. Build sacred spaces in your home where love can take root and grow.

9. Proverbs 31:11-12

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

Trust is one of the most essential elements in a strong marriage. This passage paints a portrait of a wife whose character invites confidence and honor from her husband. She is consistent in doing good, bringing peace rather than conflict into her home. This mutual trust creates a secure foundation for vulnerability, growth, and intimacy. It is not built overnight but over time through integrity, kindness, and reliability. Both husband and wife are called to be trustworthy, faithful, and upright. A marriage grounded in trust reflects God's steadfast nature.

10. Ruth 1:16-17

 "...whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge..."

Though spoken by Ruth to Naomi, these words have echoed in many wedding vows for good reason. They speak to the unwavering loyalty and sacrificial love that should define marriage. Ruth's commitment is deep, spiritual, and rooted in love that transcends convenience. Her willingness to forsake her own comfort for the sake of her loved one is a mirror of the kind of dedication that sustains a marriage. It calls us to stand by each other not only in easy times but through hardship, grief, and change. Marriage is a covenant of presence—being there, fully, no matter what.

Conclusion: A Marriage Strengthened Daily

In conclusion, the Old Testament offers not just spiritual reflection, but practical wisdom for every stage of marriage. From the fiery romance of Song of Solomon to the daily loyalty of Proverbs, God’s Word remains a guiding light. As you reflect on these scriptures, don’t just read—apply. Let each teaching challenge you to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, and honor more faithfully.

Close your devotional time with another cup of Apricot Peach Green Tea. Let its warmth be a reminder that with God’s Word and intentional love, every marriage can be restored, refreshed, and rejoiced in. May your union reflect the covenant faithfulness of the One who first joined man and woman in the Garden of Eden.