Tension fills the room each time Mary and her husband Andy come around. Mary’s non-stop disdain of her husband makes everyone uncomfortable. Inwardly, all around silently cringe with embarrassment and sadness for him.
Even when away from his wife he isn’t protected. Mary’s mouth drips cutting remarks which harm her husband as well as his reputation to anyone who will listen.
Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life (Proverbs 31:10-12 HCSB).
A capable wife, as written about in the verse above, have you ever met such a woman? In today’s world, truly godly women who aim to bless their husbands are very hard to find. So where do we go to find examples of the qualities we are to emulate?
Proverbs 31 is a perfect place to linger and learn. Today we can find these qualities which lead to true success, personal dignity and worth, honor, praise and enjoyment of marriage. So, go grab your Bible and open it up to Proverbs 31 and we will consider together how to apply these ageless truths to our own lives.
A Successful Wife is:
Rare. Proverbs 31:10 tells us a successful wife is rare, not easy to find. Just as noble, god-fearing men are rare, so is she. This verse also reminds us of her worth which is more precious than jewels. A capable, successful wife cannot be bought. Take a moment to flip to Ruth chapter 3 to study another example of a rare woman of excellence. How many rare women do you know?
Careful. Now let’s read through Proverbs 31:13-22 and note how a successful wife is careful in all she does. Because she is mindful, her husband’s confidence in her is complete. He is able to fully trust her. We see in these verses how her careful household management enhances the family wealth and does not deplete it. Her whole family lacks nothing of value. Take a moment now to jot down all the verbs in this portion of Scripture which describe her, then stop to consider how they align with your own life. Can your family fully trust you?
Positive. We saw from the verses above how a successful wife works energetically, with vigor, is selfless and generous. Do we see her grumbling and complaining as she works? No, she challenges each of us to enjoy our work. Look at this truth in verse 13 with me, “…and works with her hands in delight.” NASB. She delights in her work. She is positive, optimistic and willing to work hard for those around her. How would your family atmosphere change if you delighted in your work?
Respectful to Her Spouse. In verse 12 we see how, “She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.” Today, how are you rewarding your husband with good? Show him respect today with your speech towards him and about him to those you know. Turn with me now to Philippians 4:8. How can you change your thoughts towards your husband today?
Obedient to Christ. So how is all this possible? Verse 30 of Proverbs 31 is the key. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” NASB. Fearing God results in a life lived wisely and righteously. Fearing God does not mean to be afraid of Him, but rather to trust in, love and to be in awe of. True fear of God only comes through knowing Him and spending time in His Word. Take a few minutes to look up Proverbs 1:7, Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 and 15:33. This is the secret of true success.
Today how are you actively cultivating these qualities in your marriage?
In Him,
“The Excellent Wife,” by Martha Peace is a must read for moms and teens alike!
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