17 A friend loves at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.

17 As iron sharpens iron,

So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].

9 Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor;

10 for if *either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.

12 And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

25 Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God],

28 Even so husbands should and are morally obligated to love their own wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

33 However, each man among you [without exception] is to love his wife as his very own self [with behavior worthy of respect and esteem, always seeking the best for her with an attitude of lovingkindness], and the wife [must see to it] that she respects and delights in her husband [that she notices him and prefers him and treats him with loving concern, treasuring him, honoring him, and holding him dear]. [1 Pet 3:2]

22 Wives, be subject*to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body.

18 Wives, be *subject to your husbands [out of respect for their position as protector, and their accountability to God], as is proper and*fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives [with an affectionate, sympathetic, selfless love that always seeks the best for them] and do not be embittered or resentful toward them [because of the responsibilities of marriage].

18 Now the Lord God said, "It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] *suitable and complementary for him."

2 But because of [the temptation to participate in] sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

14 House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers,

But a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord. [Prov 18:22]

10 *An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?

Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov 12:4; 18:22; 19:14]

7 "O my love, you are altogether beautiful and fair.

There is no flaw nor blemish in you! [John 14:18; Eph 5:27]

12 "So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.

19 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself" [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]. [Lev 19:18; Matt 22:39]

12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

8 If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters].

14 Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

10 Am I now *trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises], make every effort in [exercising] your faith to *develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

1 A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches;

And favor is better than silver and gold.