Writing a Gratitude Note to a Godly Wife and Piano Teacher
Gratitude is a recurring theme in the biblical tradition, often expressed through praise and thanksgiving for God's works and provisions [4, 8]. The Psalms frequently call for giving thanks to God, sometimes specifically mentioning musical instruments like the lyre, harp, and viol [2, 3, 11]. This practice of expressing thanks extends to recognizing blessings in human relationships, particularly in the context of marriage.
The book of Proverbs highlights the profound value of a virtuous wife. Proverbs 18:22 states, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Matthew Henry interprets this verse to mean that a "good wife is a great blessing to a man," a "jewel of great value" that contributes to comfort in life and spiritual progress [6]. He emphasizes that such a wife is a "choice gift of God's providence," not merely the result of one's own wise choice [7]. Similarly, Proverbs 19:14 notes that "a prudent wife is from the Lord," further underscoring the divine origin of such a blessing [7]. The concluding chapter of Proverbs, an acrostic poem, celebrates the "virtuous wife" as more precious than rubies, a woman whose worth is recognized as coming with God's help [5]. This woman is characterized by her industry, care for her household, and generosity to the poor [5, 9].
The concept of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) can also extend to appreciating the unique gifts and talents of individuals, including those who teach and nurture. The act of teaching, especially in a skill like piano, involves imparting knowledge and fostering development, reflecting a commitment to cultivating potential. The psalmist's expression of thanksgiving for God's wonderful works [1] can be seen as a model for appreciating the "works" of others that enrich one's life.
Biblical figures like Jonah also offer examples of thanksgiving. After his deliverance from the great fish, Jonah composed a psalm-like prayer of thanksgiving, reflecting on God's gracious intervention [10]. This suggests that gratitude can be expressed thoughtfully and deliberately, even after significant events. The call to give thanks is not limited to grand occasions but encompasses the daily blessings and relationships that shape one's life.
Sources
- Psalms “I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. -- Psalms 139:14”
- Psalms “Psalms 71:22 (Geneva1599) — Therefore will I praise thee for thy faithfulnesse, O God, vpon instrument and viole: vnto thee will I sing vpon the harpe, O Holy one of Israel.”
- Psalms “Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. -- Psalms 33:2”
- Psalms “that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works. -- Psalms 26:7”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 31:10: 31:10-31 Proverbs ends with a powerful poem celebrating the virtuous wife. The poem’s acrostic arrangement gives an impression of completeness and provides the student with an aid for learning. 31:10-12 No one can find a virtuous and capable wife without God’s help (18:22). Such a woman, like wisdom, is more precious than rubies (cp. 3:15).”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:22: Note, 1. A good wife is a great blessing to a man. He that finds a wife (that is, a wife indeed; a bad wife does not deserve to be called by a name of so much honour), that finds a help meet for him (that is a wife in the original acceptation of the word), that sought such a one with care and prayer and has found what he sought, he has found a good thing, a jewel of great value, a rare jewel; he has found that which will not only contribute more than any thing to his comfort in this life, but will forward him in the way to heaven. 2. God is to be acknowledged i”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 19:14: Note, 1. A discreet and virtuous wife is a choice gift of God's providence to a man - a wife that is prudent, in opposition to one that is contentious, Pro 19:13. For, though a wife that is continually finding fault may think it is her wit and wisdom to be so, it is really her folly; a prudent wife is meek and quiet, and makes the best of every thing. If a man has such a wife, let him not ascribe it to the wisdom of his own choice or his own management (for the wisest have been deceived both in and by a woman), but let him ascribe it to the goodness of God, who”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 66 (introduction): This is a thanksgiving-psalm, and it is of such a general use and application that we need not suppose it penned upon any particular occasion. All people are here called upon to praise God, I. For the general instances of his sovereign dominion and power in the whole creation (Psa 66:1-7). II. For the special tokens of his favour to the church, his peculiar people (Psa 66:8-12). And then, III. The psalmist praises God for his own experiences of his goodness to him in particular, especially in answering his prayers (Psa 66:13-20). If we have learned in”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 31:19: 31:19-21 A virtuous wife is generous to the poor, another characteristic of wise people (11:24-26; 21:13; 22:9, 16, 22-23; 28:27).”
- Jonah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jonah 2:1: 2:1-9 Realizing that the Lord had graciously delivered him by sending the fish, Jonah composed this psalm-like prayer. Its careful structure, conforming to the pattern of an individual song of thanksgiving, suggests that it may have been composed after the event, as Jonah recalled his emotions and concerns.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on 2 Chronicles 7:6: to give thanks with musical instruments, for they recited (Ps. 136): “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His loving kindness is eternal.””