The Bible describes a good wife as someone who brings wisdom, love, and strength to her family. Proverbs 31 offers a beautiful picture of a godly wife. Today, we’ll look at how Scripture encourages wives to live with faith and purpose.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Wife
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the need for a wife to submit to her husband’s leadership within the context of a loving and respectful relationship. It does not imply inferiority, but rather highlights the importance of harmony and unity in marriage.
Submission in this context means willingly placing oneself under the authority of the husband, recognizing his role as the leader and head of the household. It calls for a spirit of humility, cooperation, and trust for the establishment of a healthy marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This verse recognizes the immeasurable value of a virtuous and capable wife. It promotes the idea that a wife who possesses exemplary qualities, such as wisdom, diligence, and kindness, is a rare and priceless gem.
It encourages husbands to appreciate and honor their wives for the invaluable contributions they make to their households and relationships. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and affirming the worth of a good wife.
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 encourages wives to cultivate a Christ-like character that can positively influence their unbelieving husbands. Through their actions and attitudes, wives can demonstrate the love and grace of God, potentially leading their husbands toward faith.
By submitting to their husbands and living out their faith with integrity, wives create an atmosphere of peace, respect, and love, which may soften their husbands’ hearts and draw them closer to God.
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 instructs older women to mentor younger women, teaching them the qualities and attitudes necessary to be good wives. It encourages younger women to prioritize their relationships, maintain self-discipline, and cultivate characteristics that honor God.
By embodying love, purity, kindness, and submission within their marriages, wives can reflect the truth of the Gospel and prevent any negative perceptions or criticisms of God’s Word.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse conveys the importance of a wife’s role in establishing a nurturing and stable home environment. A wise and discerning wife actively contributes to the growth and well-being of her family.
Conversely, a foolish woman, through her words, actions, or neglect, can bring destruction and chaos to her home. This verse serves as a reminder for wives to invest their energies in building and upholding their households.
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 emphasizes the mutual responsibility for intimacy within the marital relationship. It underscores the importance of meeting each other’s needs and desires, promoting physical and emotional unity between spouses.
Both husbands and wives are called to selflessly prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their partners, recognizing that they belong to one another. This verse encourages couples to engage in open communication and prioritize intimacy.
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 highlights the profound impact a wife’s character has on her husband and their relationship. A wife who possesses noble qualities, such as integrity, wisdom, and modesty, brings honor and joy to her husband.
Conversely, a wife who dishonors her spouse through her actions, attitudes, or behavior becomes a source of sorrow and distress. This verse reminds wives of the power they hold to either enrich or diminish their husbands’ lives.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of a wife’s words and the impact they can have on her family. A wife who speaks with wisdom and kindness brings wisdom and harmony to her household.
By using her words to teach, encourage, and uplift, a wife creates an atmosphere of love, growth, and support within her family. This verse encourages wives to be intentional in their speech, choosing words that promote unity and build up their loved ones.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
This verse addresses the importance of a wife’s outward appearance aligning with inner godliness. It encourages women to embrace modesty, self-control, and an emphasis on good works rather than becoming preoccupied with external adornments.
By prioritizing godly character and a virtuous lifestyle, wives can reflect their devotion to Christ and their commitment to righteousness, rather than placing excessive focus on physical appearance or material possessions.
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 highlights the reciprocal responsibilities of both husbands and wives within marriage. Wives are called to submit to the leadership and authority of their husbands, while husbands are urged to love their wives sacrificially and treat them with gentleness and respect.
By fulfilling these roles in harmony and under the guidance of the Lord, husbands and wives can contribute to the flourishing of their marriage and create an atmosphere of love, trust, and mutual support.
Genesis 2:18
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”
In this verse, God recognizes the need for companionship and support for Adam, leading to the creation of Eve. It highlights the essential role of a wife as a suitable helper and companion for her husband.
God’s design for marriage includes the purposeful union of husband and wife, where they support and complement each other. This verse reminds wives of their calling to provide assistance, comfort, and partnership to their husbands.
Proverbs 31:27
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
This verse emphasizes the diligence and responsibility that characterizes a good wife. A wife who actively manages and cares for her household reflects wisdom and devotion.
By attending to the needs of her family, organizing affairs, and maintaining a proactive approach, a wife contributes to the smooth functioning and well-being of her home. This verse encourages wives to demonstrate attentiveness and a strong work ethic within their households.
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 directs husbands to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. It encourages husbands to recognize and honor the unique vulnerabilities of their wives, while also acknowledging their equal worth as heirs of God’s grace.
By valuing their wives and treating them with kindness and respect, husbands create an environment conducive to communication, intimacy, and spiritual growth within their marriages.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse affirms the blessing and favor that come from finding a good wife. It acknowledges the significance and positive influence of a godly wife on her husband’s life.
It is a reminder that finding a wife who embodies God’s wisdom, love, and faithfulness is a profound gift from the Lord. This verse encourages husbands to cherish and appreciate their wives as a precious blessing from God.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse reminds wives to prioritize their relationship with Christ and live in reverence to Him. It encourages them to be ready to share their faith and testify to the hope they have in Christ.
However, it also emphasizes the importance of communicating their faith with gentleness and respect, recognizing that our words and actions should be a reflection of Christ’s character to those around us.
Proverbs 31:12
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This verse emphasizes the positive impact a wife can have on her husband throughout their life together. A wife who consistently seeks her husband’s well-being, supports him, and brings him joy reflects wisdom and love.
By actively contributing to the success, happiness, and growth of her husband, a wife creates an environment of trust, love, and encouragement. This verse encourages wives to be intentional in uplifting their husbands.
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 emphasizes the seriousness and commitment of the marriage covenant. It instructs wives not to separate from their husbands and highlights the importance of preserving the bond of marriage.
In cases where separation does occur, it advises that reconciliation should be sought. Divorce is discouraged unless there are compelling circumstances. This verse encourages wives to pursue reconciliation and prioritize the preservation of their marriage.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges that a wise and sensible wife is a gift from God. It underscores the importance of seeking a spouse who possesses godly wisdom, discernment, and sound judgment.
A wife who embodies wisdom and prudence adds immeasurable value to her marriage and family. This verse reminds husbands to appreciate and cherish the wisdom and insight that their wives bring into their lives.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”
This verse advises younger widows to consider remarriage and encourages them to fulfill their roles as wives, mothers, and managers of their households.
By actively engaging in these responsibilities, younger widows can live out their faith with integrity and prevent any negative criticism or slander from outsiders. This verse acknowledges the importance of establishing stable and Christ-centered homes.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse directs husbands to love their wives unconditionally and without harshness or cruelty. It calls for husbands to treat their wives with kindness, empathy, and gentleness.
By modeling Christ’s sacrificial love, husbands create an atmosphere of trust, security, and emotional well-being within their marriages. This verse encourages husbands to prioritize the emotional and relational needs of their wives.
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, commitment, and devotion of Ruth toward her mother-in-law, Naomi. It serves as an example of the sacrificial love and devotion a wife can have for her spouse.
It reminds wives of the importance of standing alongside their husbands through thick and thin, demonstrating a steadfast commitment and support that transcends difficult circumstances.
1 Peter 3:4
“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
This verse highlights the true beauty of a wife, which lies not in external appearances but in the condition of her heart. It encourages wives to cultivate a spirit of gentleness and tranquility.
A wife who possesses a gentle and quiet spirit exhibits inner strength, grace, and wisdom—a beauty that God cherishes and values greatly. This verse calls wives to seek a beauty that extends beyond physical attributes.