A wife’s role in the Bible is filled with wisdom, love, and support. Scripture highlights qualities of a good wife, offering guidance for a strong, healthy marriage. Today, we’ll learn what the Bible says about being a loving, supportive partner.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Perfectionism
What Does The Bible Say About A Good Wife
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of a good wife in a man’s life. A wife who is virtuous, loving, and committed brings joy, blessings, and favor from the Lord.
A good wife is a gift from God, and her presence enhances the quality of a man’s life. She brings love, support, and stability to the marriage, and her virtues are a reflection of God’s grace and favor.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse highlights the value and rarity of a wife with noble character. A virtuous wife is considered more precious than priceless gemstones, as she possesses qualities that are truly valuable.
A good wife is characterized by her integrity, wisdom, and dedication to her family. Her worth is immeasurable, as she enriches the lives of those around her with her love, support, and faithful presence.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This verse emphasizes the mutual love and respect that should exist between a husband and wife. The husband is called to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loves the church.
The wife, on the other hand, is called to respect her husband, honoring his leadership and supporting him with reverence and encouragement. This mutual love and respect foster a strong and harmonious marriage relationship.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse contrasts the impact of a wife’s character on her husband. A wife of noble character is referred to as her husband’s crown, symbolizing her role as a source of honor and pride for him.
However, a wife who lacks virtue and integrity is compared to decay in a man’s bones, which represents the detrimental effect of such a marriage on his well-being. The verse highlights the importance of a wife’s character in contributing to the overall success and happiness of the marriage.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse speaks to the significance of a wife’s words and the impact they have on her family. A good wife is characterized by her wise and uplifting speech.
Her words are filled with wisdom and knowledge, seeking to guide, instruct, and encourage those around her. Through her words, she creates an atmosphere of love, positivity, and growth within her household.
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
This verse addresses the role of a wife in a marriage where her husband may not be a believer. It encourages wives to exemplify Christ-like behavior, including submission and respect.
Through their actions and conduct, wives have the potential to influence their husbands positively, drawing them closer to God without even speaking a word. This highlights the power of a wife’s behavior and character in impacting her husband’s spiritual journey.
Proverbs 21:19
“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”
This verse emphasizes the negative impact of a wife who is constantly argumentative and nagging. It implies that it is better to be alone in a desolate place than to dwell in a home characterized by constant strife and contention.
A good wife seeks to bring harmony, peace, and understanding to her marriage, avoiding unnecessary conflicts and instead fostering a loving and nurturing environment for her family.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
This verse speaks to the intimate and mutual responsibilities within a marriage. Both the husband and wife are called to meet each other’s physical needs and to honor one another in the marital relationship.
It highlights the importance of selflessness and mutual submission in the sexual aspect of a marriage, reflecting a relationship characterized by love, trust, and mutual care.
Proverbs 31:27
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
This verse describes a proactive and diligent wife who takes her responsibilities within the household seriously. She is attentive to the needs of her family and actively manages the affairs of her home.
A good wife is not idle but uses her time and abilities wisely to create a nurturing and thriving environment for her loved ones. Her dedication and diligence contribute to the overall well-being and success of her family.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse contrasts the impact of wisdom and foolishness on a wife’s influence within her household. A wise woman contributes to the growth, strength, and prosperity of her home.
However, a foolish woman undermines and destroys her own house through her foolish decisions and actions. This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom, discernment, and good judgment in a wife’s role in building a successful and blessed home.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse highlights the lasting value of a woman who reveres and honors the Lord. While physical charm and beauty may fade over time, a woman who has a deep reverence for God is worthy of praise and honor.
A wife who fears the Lord is one who seeks to live in obedience to His commandments, walking in righteousness, and cultivating a heart of reverence and faith. Her spiritual beauty shines through her character and virtue.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse draws attention to the divine origin and provision of a prudent and wise wife. While material possessions and wealth can be inherited, a wife who brings wisdom and prudence to her marriage is a gift from God.
A prudent wife possesses discernment, good judgment, and the ability to make wise decisions. She is a source of blessing and stability in the lives of her husband and family, provided by God’s grace.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse addresses the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives within the marriage relationship. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, recognizing their God-given authority as leaders of the household.
Husbands, on the other hand, are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loves the church, and to treat them with kindness and gentleness. This verse encourages a balance of love, respect, and submission within marriage.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’”
This verse showcases the loyalty, devotion, and commitment of Ruth as a daughter-in-law. Ruth’s unwavering love and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, are a testament to the sacrificial love and devotion that should be present in marriage.
A good wife is dedicated not only to her husband but also to her extended family, willing to make sacrifices and remain loyal through difficult times. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and selflessness in a marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:11
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This verse speaks to the trust and confidence that a husband should have in his wife. A good wife is reliable, trustworthy, and capable, bringing security and peace to her husband’s life.
By being diligent and resourceful, she ensures that her husband’s needs are met and that he lacks nothing of value. Her faithfulness and dependability contribute to the strength and stability of the marital relationship.
Proverbs 19:13
“A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.”
This verse highlights the negative consequences of having a quarrelsome wife. A constant nagging and argumentative attitude is likened to the annoyance of continuous dripping.
A good wife seeks to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere within her home, avoiding unnecessary conflicts and working towards resolution with love and understanding.
Titus 2:4-5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This verse speaks to the mentorship role of older women in teaching and guiding younger wives in their roles and responsibilities. Younger women are encouraged to cultivate qualities such as love, self-control, purity, kindness, and submissiveness to their husbands.
By embracing these virtues, younger wives can have a positive impact on their families and relationships, bringing honor to the Word of God and reflecting His love and grace.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.”
This verse provides counsel to younger widows, advising them to remarry and fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. By marrying and managing their homes, they can avoid becoming idle or susceptible to slander from the enemy.
A good wife embraces her role as manager of the household, nurturing and caring for her family with diligence and love, thereby safeguarding her reputation and setting a positive example.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse addresses husbands, urging them to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. Husbands are called to recognize the equal value and worth of their wives as heirs of God’s gracious gift of life.
The way husbands treat their wives directly affects their relationship with God, as hindered prayers are indicated when there is a lack of kindness and respect towards one’s spouse. This verse emphasizes the importance of cherishing and honoring one’s wife.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’”
This verse speaks to the praise and admiration that a good wife receives from her children and her husband. Her efforts, sacrifices, and contributions to the family are recognized, valued, and honored.
A good wife’s noble actions, character, and virtues set her apart and make her highly esteemed by her loved ones. The affirmation and appreciation from her family serve as a testament to her exceptional qualities and the impact she has on their lives.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
This verse addresses the call for wives to willingly submit to their husbands’ leadership within the marriage relationship. This submission is not a sign of weakness or inferiority but rather an expression of trust, respect, and cooperation.
A good wife recognizes and embraces the biblical principle of submission as a means of fostering unity, order, and love within the marriage. This verse highlights the importance of mutual submission and a harmonious partnership between husbands and wives.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse speaks directly to husbands, urging them to love their wives and to treat them with kindness and gentleness. Husbands are called to emulate the sacrificial love of Christ towards the church.
A good husband is one who loves his wife unconditionally, caring for her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He seeks her well-being and actively avoids harshness or cruelty in his actions or words towards her.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
This verse addresses the permanence and commitment of marriage. It emphasizes the covenant nature of the marital relationship and discourages the separation or divorce of spouses.
A good wife understands the importance of commitment and faithfulness within marriage. She strives to work through difficulties and conflicts, seeking reconciliation and restoration rather than seeking separation.