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) 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.