Given that we are proposing early betrothals, and given our society, it could well be that the father of the groom may be proposing someone for betrothal that is not completely ready for marriage. He may be physically ready but below legal age. He may not yet have a place for his wife to live (this would have been a frequent problem in Bible times. Many commentators suggest that this was one of the young mans roles during betrothal.) He may be only partway through some military commitment, or school commitment. It would be good for the father of the groom to announce this during his betrothal proposal, to honestly announce ‘his side’ of the bargain.[1]
It would also be best for the father of the groom to be honest and forthright with the father of the bride. No one should be claiming that their son is God on earth. He has, as we all have, faults. None of us were perfect parents, none of us have perfect sons. Our son may be patient and kind… yet forget to take out the trash. He may be a diligent worker, but quiet and tend toward moodiness.