For Ladies … Virtues Of A Good Wife
Clista Heintzman
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10. (NKJV) The mother of a king asked this question long ago. She was concerned about her son and his future. She saw the need to advise her son in what to look for when choosing a wife. Let us look at five characteristics this mother mentions that a good wife would possess.
A virtuous wife will do her husband good and not evil (verses 11-12). This means she will praise him and not complain about his weaknesses or faults in front of others. She will be mindful of his income and will try to be careful and thrifty in using it.
A good wife will be one who will be busy working for her family and the needy (verses 13-22). She will plan for life at home, making the household run smoothly. She will try to make sure clothes are clean, meals are prepared, and that love and material blessings are shared with those less fortunate. She may also take an outside job (verse 24) but will not forget to “watch over the ways of her household” (verse 27).
A good wife gives support and encouragement to her husband and his work so that “he will be known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (verse 23). She will listen to his concerns and try to give good advice. It would be good to encourage our sons to look for a woman who will understand the pressures of their work and be willing to sacrifice for that work. This is especially important for those young men who plan to be preachers or military personnel. For these, it may be helpful to look for a wife who was raised in a family accustomed to service and sacrifice. When things go well at home, a husband can be free to excel and do good work in the church, in his job, and in the community.
One who will be a good wife will be careful in her speech (verse 26). She will not be a gossip. Kindness will be on her tongue.
Finally, a good wife will be one who fears the Lord. She will be a woman who respects God’s word and tries to obey it. She will put God first. She will try to be a good example to her family in her teachings and her life.
Can our sons find virtuous wives today? Show by your example what a good wife should be. Teach your son to be careful in choosing a wife and encourage him in this respect just as this woman instructed her son. Most of all, pray for him and all your children that they will make good choices and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. –3049 Tyler Highway, Sistersville, WV 26175.