Once upon a time there was a woman married to an annoying man. He would complain about everything. One day he went to the creek with his mule. He complained so much that the mule got annoyed and kicked him to death. At the funeral, when all the men walked by the wife she shook her head yes and every time the women walked by she shook her head no.

The minister asked “Why are you shaking your head yes for men and no for women?” Her response was, “The men would say how sorry they felt for me and I was saying, “Yes, I’ll be alright.” When the women walked by, they were asking if the mule was for sale . . . “

Perhaps, you know of someone who would like to buy that mule. So many marriages are in shambles because one or both spouses are not pleasant and cordial to the other. Constant complaining makes marriage a painful drudgery.  There are a couple of simple truths that would do well in every relationship, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” (Mt. 7:12) and “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Pro. 15:1-2).

Making diligent use of these two simple truths will go a long way in making our marriages a blessing instead of an agonizing grind.

 Think About It!