I am a dictionary-loving girl, so that is where we will go first. Strong’s defines a crown as this: to encircle (for attack or protection) compass, crown. So to Webster’s we go for his definition of crown: a reward of victory or mark of honor.
Now let’s see the opposite definition – that of rottenness. Strong’s says “to decay”. So simple, but Mr. Webster has a rather lengthy definition that can make a woman quiver when applying it to this verse: having rotted, morally corrupt, extremely unpleasant or inferior, marked by weakness or unsoundness. His decay definition says this: to decline from a sound or prosperous position; to decrease gradually in quantity, activity or force; to fall into ruin; to decline in health, strength or vigor.
That is not a pretty picture, ladies.
So what does it all mean when we take away the definitions and translations and get down to me, a wife?
Let’s draw a picture of two ordinary men. But on one we will put a golden crown that sparkles in the sunlight. His stature seems to grow a couple inches, his shoulders are back, head is held high, and his step is full of confidence. He has now become royalty. A king.
To the other one, we inject an incurable disease into the marrow of his bones. His color fades, his eyes sink in, his shoulders droop, his gait is slow and shuffled. Eventually he is bedridden with this rottenness in his bones. He has been brought to ruin, disgrace and shame.
One is given respect while the other is looked on with pity. A crown takes an ordinary man and turns him into a dignified personage of royalty. While rottenness in a man’s bones turns him into a sickly victim of a degenerating disease.
By our actions, we women can change not only how the world sees our men, but how our men view themselves.
Tomorrow is where it hits home as we look at specific ways that we can either bring our man to ruin or royalty.
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Jessie says
Excellent Kendra. Very good insights into those words.