These things are important, for Jehoram “walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Chron. 21:6). He married the wrong girl. Her character was not good. She drug him down.

Ahab was no angel, but the woman he married was part of his problem. “But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up" (1 Kgs. 21:25). A good mate can you lift you up, but a bad one can tear you down.

Ladies, are you going with a young man whose toughness and strength, sometimes expressed through anger, is attractive to you? Do you admire his rough, "macho" exterior which he demonstrates through harsh talk and demanding ways? Or, are you simply dating a "good guy" who "loses it" occasionally because he has "a short fuse"? If so, run now, before it is too late! Do not marry him, for “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

Be wary if many of your friends and most of your family are expressing misgivings about your relationship. If they are warning you, and are expressing doubts, listen. Honestly, would those whom you love and those who love you, your family and friends, feel the way they do if they did not have some serious concerns? Back off. Go slow. Do not rush into a marriage thinking you can "change" him, or thinking that, "Well, they just don’t understand her like I do." Consider the fact that a number of those dearest to you are holding up alarm signals. Do yourself a favor and listen. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Prov. 19:20).

Marriage is too sweet and lovely, too holy and pure, for you to enter it rashly and blindly. Heaven on earth can be had in a wonderful marriage. Be patient, therefore, and marry that one who is best for you, both here and hereafter, both now and forever.