SEVEN QUALITIES of a VIRTUOUS WIFE

 

July 8 Bible Reading: Proverbs Chapters 28-31

SEVEN QUALITIES of a VIRTUOUS WIFE

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." (Prov 31:10)

In Christian marriages, by biblical mandate, the husband is the head of the wife and family. But many husbands, unfortunately, are unskilled at managing the affairs of family life. The “virtuous wife” described in Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a good role model for every wife who (through godly submission) exercises her gifts and talents in such a way as to bless her husband and children. It is interesting to note that each of the verses (10 through 31) begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in alphabetical order as in Psalms 119.

This exquisite picture of a virtuous wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations but its moral teachings are timeless and relevant for today as well. Here are seven qualities of a virtuous wife that every woman should aspire for in her own life:

1. She is TRUSTWORTHY (vv. 11-12). She can be safely trusted by her husband (v. 11a) and he will allow her to manage everything for him as she makes attempts always to do him good only (v. 12).
2. She is INDUSTRIOUS (vv. 13-15). She takes both pain and pleasure in her hard work. She manages time well as she rises early in the morning to provide food for her home (v. 15).
3. She is a VISIONARY (vv. 16-19). She understands the generation of future wealth as she “considers” and “perceives” buying both land (v. 16) and property (v. 18) by prudent management.
4. She is BENEVOLENT (vv. 20-23). She is willing to cheerfully share her wealth with the less fortunate who need a helping hand (v. 20), and due to her benevolence her household is well cared of (v. 21) and her husband has a place of honor in his community (v. 23).
5. She is RESOLUTE (vv. 24-25). She is firm in her affairs as she creates goods with her own hands and generates money for her home (v. 24). This can be compared to a wife who works outside her home in order to supplement her family income.
6. She is WISE (vv. 26-29). Her wisdom is revealed in her talks with others (v. 26). She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. She conducts the affairs of her home with discretion (v. 27) due to which both her children and husband can only lavish praises upon her (v. 28).
7. She is GOD-FEARING (vv. 30-31). Above all, she fears God as she conducts herself. The fear of God reigning in her heart is the true beauty of her soul. While outward beauty is only skin-deep and charm is pretentious – a woman who fears God shall be praised by everyone (v. 30). The result of her labor is her best eulogy for everyone to see (v. 31).

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Prov 31:30-31)