For Ladies ...

A Valuable Wife

Pat Jones

A valuable wife is a blessing to her husband as is described in the much-loved poem of Proverbs 31. A wise husband knows "... a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)

I recently attended a funeral with intentions of comforting the grieving family of a wonderful godly man, only to later realize they had comforted and encouraged me. The younger son relayed an incident that had occurred during the hospital admissions process for his late father. When asked by the nurse if he'd brought anything of value to the hospital, without hesitation, he replied, "Only my wife."

God's original plan for a valuable wife was to be a helper and companion to her husband. A valuable wife will encourage her husband, be loyal to him, pray with him, and have faith in his decisions and talents. The Bible is filled with numerous examples of women, not only devoted to their husbands but also dedicated to the Lord. Much strength and encouragement can be gained by a brief study of their lives.

One of the most beautiful women mentioned in the Bible is Abigail. 1 Samuel 25:3 describes her as "a woman of good understanding, and of beautiful countenance." Although she was married to a "churlish and evil man," she is portrayed as a kind, gentle, and intelligent woman. Along with her outward beauty, she possessed inward qualities of courage and strength. Abigail, through her wise choices, greatly influenced David in 1 Samuel 25:32,33. A thorough study of her eventful life can be found in 1 Samuel 25. Many lessons can be gleaned from her great humility, patience, and unwavering faith in God.

Priscilla was a true help meet for her husband. Genesis 2:18 records God saying "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, worked together as a team. She joined her husband, not only in their tent making, but also in their teaching of God's word. Their close relationship is revealed in the scriptures, as we always find their names mentioned together. Read Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; and 2 Timothy 4:19. We need to take advantage of every available opportunity to serve with our husbands.

Sarah is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29 as she became the wife of Abraham. We find, throughout the next twelve chapters, incidents of Sarah's lacking patience and trust in God. Although she suffered many difficulties in her reliance on God, the Hebrew writer lists her among those of great faith. "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11) Sarah was a good wife as she traveled by Abraham's side on his journeys through the wilderness. Sarah loved, admired, and shared her life with Abraham. She was obedient to him, as recorded in 1 Peter 3:6, "Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord." What an admirable example Sarah left for us.

What kind of wives are we? Are gentleness, kindness, and consideration qualities we possess? Are we obedient to our husbands, finding opportunities to support and stand beside them in joys and sorrows? Proverbs 31:11-12 reads, "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." If we strive to emulate these beautiful verses, we can be assured that the hearts of our husbands will safely trust in us and they too will declare us their "most valuable possessions." -Rt. 1, Box 109-A, Rivesville, WV 26588.

 

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