An excellent wife is the crown of her husband (Proverbs 12:4) Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. (Proverbs 19:14)
An excellent wife here literally means “A wife of valor” and there is a close association with the description of the Virtuous Wife in Proverbs 31, where the woman made significant efforts to contribute to her husbands position in the community, and to his success. His domestic comfort promoted his advancements in public honor. A man’s good reputation begins with his home life, and thus the virtue of his wife. As man carries authority delegated to him by God, so woman carries authority delegated to her by God through her husband. Man is not from woman, but woman from man (1 Corinthians 11:8) Paul’s meaning is that all believers, male or female, are equal in the Lord and complementary in the Lord’s work. Their roles are different in function and relationships, but not in spirituality or importance. In regards to the second text, One receives inheritance as a family blessing ( a result of human birth), but a wise wife is a result of divine blessing from God. He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). Keeping a godly home with excellence for one’s husband and children is the Christian woman’s non-negotiable responsibilty.
If this seems like an out dated source of information, then consider the alternatives, Homes that are being run into the ground, are families without any spiritual guidance and truth from the Word of God. These are the ones that allow whatever seems right in their own eyes to dictate the atmosphere of their home life. Television and internet and other sources of media are what rules the roost. But how can any biblical truth be found here? There must be an order in the home one in which honors God, and demonstrates His love to one another. God gives that role and responsibility to parents who are raising a family. For those who have already done so, there is a role as an older woman, meaning those no longer in child-rearing roles to mentor the younger women to honor their husbands by their own examples of godliness. Even men who are older can mentor the younger men in the church by showing absolute transparency in their relationships to these men. Meaning you must be truthful where you were not only successful, but also where you have failed in your marriage. Showing this kind of truthful transparency can really make a difference in their times of struggle.
Our marriages are meant to glorify God, and become a witness to the everchanging world that God never changes, and His Word and its biblical meaning never changes. This “ crown of her husband ” reminds me that one day, we will bow down to Him who gives us these crowns, and lay them at His feet. I want to build a strong marriage life that will be a great blessing to others, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:13-14) But I could never do this without my beloved wife.
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
Dedicated to my wife Julie, Happy Birthday ! This week
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