Can’t Buy Me Love…But Can You Buy Me Truth?

There’s a song by the Beatles with the theme, “Money can’t buy me love…”  I think most of us would agree with that.  Celebrities with plenty of money and fame move from one relationship to the next searching for love, while others with very little money have remained married and in love for 50 years!

Another famous Beatle’s hit claimed “All you need is love.”  While the Beatles made a lot of money off that proclamation, I would have to say I disagree with them.  Too many marriages today are ending in divorce because love alone is not enough.  Yes, love is vital, especially for the wife, but we have missed a very important part of the marital equation.

What do I mean?  We believe that according to Ephesians 5:33, love is not enough!  In this passage, Paul is exhorting the men to love their wives, but he doesn’t tell the wives to love their husbands.  Instead, he exhorts the wives to respect their husbands.  Could this be the missing ingredient in all those marriages that end in divorce?

We believe it is, based on God’s Word as well as scientific research. That’s why Sarah and I embarked on a mission over 10 years ago to get this message to the world through our Love & Respect marriage conferences.

Many of the couples who attend our conferences have good marriages.  So why do they attend?  Because they invest the time, effort, and finances to maintain a satisfying and stable marriage.

I love what Solomon said: "Buy truth... get wisdom and instruction and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23). One commentator said, "Buying the truth suggests spending whatever energy or financial resources are necessary to acquire truth..." (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Buy truth? Yes. You did for your formal education every time you wrote out a tuition check! And this is why I take just a little issue with the song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.”  Obviously, I agree with the premise, but I also know that what is important in life is worth investing in…even financially.

Does this mean anyone who buys truth becomes wise? Solomon addressed that point. “Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?" (Proverbs 17:16 TNIV).  A commentator wrote, “A fool is so simple he thinks he can buy wisdom. He comes with money in hand, but fails to realize he lacks the one resource necessary for gaining wisdom: a genuine, heartfelt desire for it” (BKC).

Not everyone who buys truth becomes wise. We must also invest the time and energy to apply the truth we’ve paid to receive.  Will you join us at a Love & Respect Marriage Conference and find out how to apply this TRUTH from God’s Word?  During these financially tough times many who attend the Love and Respect marriage conference profoundly impress me. These people are making sure their marriages do not die. They intend to experience marital harmony, enjoy the marital journey, and pursue happiness together. They are declaring, "Our marriage matters to us. We are committed to investing in the longest lasting earthly institution that God created. We made a vow for richer or for poorer. Even though finances are tough this is one investment we will not neglect."

We are excited to rev up our fall conference schedule in less than a month!  Will you join us at a Love & Respect Live or Video Conference?  It just might save your marriage!  And that would be worth the investment indeed.

~Emerson and Sarah