Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you immediately regretted? You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope.

In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to respond with wisdom instead of reaction in your marriage—especially during those emotionally charged conversations. We’ll walk through several Proverbs that offer practical, biblical guidance for communicating in ways that build connection instead of tearing it down.

Whether you struggle with anger, defensiveness, or just don’t know what to say when tensions rise, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and choose the way of wisdom.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• • Why tone, timing, and self-control matter in communication

• What the book of Proverbs teaches us about responding rather than reacting
• How to catch your breath and check your heart in real time
• The power of slowing down before you speak—and the damage of careless words
• How godly wisdom strengthens your marriage even in conflict

📖 Scriptures Mentioned:

• • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”

• • Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death…”

• • James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

• • Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

📥 Grab Your Free Resource:

Want to take this conversation further with your spouse?
Download our free 7 Proverbs for Better Communication handout + couples discussion guide to help you apply biblical wisdom to the way you speak and listen in marriage.

👉 Download it here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-138-when-fools-rush-in-what-proverbs-teaches-us-about-conflict

💌 Stay Connected:

🎯 For more resources, counseling options, and weekly marriage encouragement:

• Newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
• Marriage Counseling Info: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage

Have you ever found yourself feeling angry, anxious, or just plain discouraged in your marriage—and then wondered what it really means? In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at those tough emotions that show up in marriage and what they’re actually trying to tell you.

You’ll learn how:

• Anger often signals a blocked goal
• Anxiety often reflects an uncertain or insecure goal
• Depression may indicate you’re chasing an impossible goal

These emotions aren’t random or shameful—they’re invitations to examine your expectations, bring your desires before God, and lean into trust instead of control.

Through biblical truth and real-life examples, we’ll help you identify what’s really going on beneath the surface so you can respond productively, not just react in frustration.

📖 Scriptures Mentioned:

• James 4:1–2
• Ephesians 4:26–27
• Philippians 4:6–7
• Isaiah 26:3
• Proverbs 13:12
• Matthew 11:28
• Psalm 37:4–5
• 2 Corinthians 10:5

💬 Key Takeaways:

• Your emotions are signals, not enemies
• Unmet expectations often fuel conflict in marriage
• God wants to meet you in your emotional pain—not condemn you for it
• Surrendering unrealistic or uncontrollable goals leads to peace and connection

🛠️ Don’t Miss This Free Resource:

Grab our printable handout, “What Your Emotions Are Telling You in Marriage,” and start processing what you're feeling and why—together.

👉 Download it here: [INSERT LINK TO HANDOUT] Printable saved under “Emotions” handout.

💌 Stay Connected:

Need more support in your marriage?
👉 Learn more about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage
👉 Sign up for our weekly encouragement email: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same frustrating cycle with your spouse—arguing over the same thing, reacting the same way, or saying, “Here we go again…”?

You might be caught in one of the “games people play” in relationships.

In this episode, we explore some of the unconscious patterns couples fall into and how these games sabotage intimacy and connection. We’ll show you how to recognize these patterns, understand the emotional needs beneath them, and shift toward healthier communication.

You’ll walk away with greater self-awareness and biblical insight on how to stop playing games—and start building trust and connection.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-136-games-people-play-in-marriage-breaking-free-from-relational-patterns/

🧠 Key Topics Covered:

• What “relational games” are and how they show up in marriage
• The emotional payoffs that keep us repeating unhealthy patterns
• Practical steps to move from reaction to restoration
• What Scripture teaches about honest, grace-filled communication

📖 Scriptures to Reflect On:

• Ephesians 4:25 – “Speak the truth in love…”
• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”
• Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens…”
• James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

🎧 Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you and your spouse find yourselves stuck in the same arguments or disconnected because of poor communication, it may be time to hit pause and start fresh. The L.O.V.E. Your Way Through Conflict Course is a powerful, Christ-centered resource to help you move from frustration to understanding.

💥 Use code COUPLE50 for 50% off the course!
👉 Start the course here

💌 Stay Connected:

Want more tools and encouragement for your marriage?
📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
👥 Learn about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage