Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. New Living Translation A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. English Standard Version An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. Berean Standard Bible A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. King James Bible A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. New King James Version An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. New American Standard Bible An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. NASB 1995 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. NASB 1977 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones. Legacy Standard Bible An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. Amplified Bible A virtuous and excellent wife [worthy of honor] is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him [with her foolishness] is like rottenness in his bones. Christian Standard Bible A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. Holman Christian Standard Bible A capable wife is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. American Standard Version A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Contemporary English Version A helpful wife is a jewel for her husband, but a shameless wife will make his bones rot. English Revised Version A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. GOD'S WORD® Translation A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband, but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer. Good News Translation A good wife is her husband's pride and joy; but a wife who brings shame on her husband is like a cancer in his bones. International Standard Version A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but a wife who puts him to shame is like bone cancer. NET Bible A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones. New Heart English Bible A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. Webster's Bible Translation A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. World English Bible A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband, "" And as rottenness in his bones [is] one causing shame. Young's Literal Translation A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, And as rottenness in his bones is one causing shame. Smith's Literal Translation A woman of strength is a crown to her husband: and she causing shame, as rottenness in his bones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA diligent woman is a crown to her husband: and she that doth things worthy of confusion, is a rottenness in his bones. Catholic Public Domain Version A diligent woman is a crown to her husband. And she who acts with confusion as to which things are worthy is decay to his bones. New American Bible A woman of worth is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful one is like rot in his bones. New Revised Standard Version A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA virtuous wife is a crown to her husband; but a wife who does evil destroys her husband like a boring-worm, and like a termite. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A valiant wife is the crown of her husband, and as a boring worm, and a worm in wood, the woman that does evil things destroys a husband. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; But she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones. Brenton Septuagint Translation A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Loving Discipline and Knowledge…3A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. 4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. 5The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.… Cross References Proverbs 31:10-31 A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ... Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. ... 1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ... Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. 1 Corinthians 11:7-12 A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. / For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. / Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. ... Genesis 2:18-24 The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” / And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. / The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ... Colossians 3:18-19 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. Titus 2:3-5 Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. / In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. / 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 the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. ... Ruth 3:11 And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. Song of Solomon 4:7-10 You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw. / Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon! Descend from the peak of Amana, from the summits of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the leopards. / You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your neck. ... 1 Samuel 25:3 His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. Treasury of Scripture A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. virtuous Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 19:13,14 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping… Proverbs 31:10-25 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies… she Proverbs 21:9,19 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house… Proverbs 27:15,16 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike… as Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Habakkuk 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Jump to Previous Ashamed Behaviour Bones Cause Causing Character Crown Decay Disease Disgraceful Excellent Good Husband Husband's Maketh Noble Rottenness Shame Shamefully Shames Virtue Virtuous Wasting Wife WorthyJump to Next Ashamed Behaviour Bones Cause Causing Character Crown Decay Disease Disgraceful Excellent Good Husband Husband's Maketh Noble Rottenness Shame Shamefully Shames Virtue Virtuous Wasting Wife WorthyProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeA wife of noble character is her husband’s crown In ancient Israel, a "wife of noble character" was highly esteemed, reflecting the virtues of wisdom, diligence, and moral integrity. The term "noble character" aligns with the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31, who is industrious, wise, and fears the Lord. The imagery of a "crown" signifies honor and glory, suggesting that a virtuous wife enhances her husband's reputation and standing in the community. This metaphor reflects the cultural importance of family honor in biblical times, where a wife's character could significantly impact her husband's social and economic status. The crown also symbolizes authority and leadership, indicating that a noble wife supports and elevates her husband's role as the head of the household. but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones Persons / Places / Events 1. Wife of Noble CharacterThis refers to a woman who embodies virtues such as integrity, strength, and moral excellence. In the context of ancient Israel, a noble wife was highly esteemed and considered a blessing to her household. 2. Husband The husband is the recipient of the benefits or consequences of his wife's character. In the cultural context of Proverbs, the husband is the head of the household and his reputation is closely tied to that of his wife. 3. Crown Symbolically, a crown represents honor, glory, and authority. A noble wife enhances her husband's status and reputation, much like a crown enhances the appearance of a king. 4. Decay in His Bones This metaphor suggests deep, internal suffering and weakness. A wife who causes shame brings distress and dishonor to her husband, affecting him profoundly. Teaching Points The Value of Noble CharacterA noble character is invaluable and brings honor to both the individual and their family. Strive to cultivate virtues that reflect God's character. The Impact of Relationships The character of a spouse can significantly impact the well-being and reputation of the other. Choose relationships wisely and invest in building each other up. The Power of Influence A wife has the power to either uplift or bring down her husband. Recognize the influence you have in your relationships and use it to encourage and support. The Consequences of Shame Causing shame can lead to deep emotional and relational damage. Be mindful of your actions and words, seeking to build rather than destroy. Pursuing Godly Wisdom Seek wisdom from God to develop a noble character. Regularly engage with Scripture and prayer to align your life with God's will. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12Proverbs 12:4 extols a virtuous wife, but how can we reconcile this with other biblical passages portraying women as subordinate or property (e.g., Exodus 21)? What does a shameful wife symbolize for her husband? What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown? What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown?(4) A virtuous woman.--Literally, of power, i.e., of ability and character, like the wife described in Proverbs 31, or the "able" men of Exodus 18:21.Verse 4. - A virtuous woman; one whose portrait is beautifully traced in ch. 31. The term is applied to Ruth (Ruth 3:11). The Vulgate renders, diligens; Septuagint, ἀνδρεία. The expression means one of power either in mind or body, or both. The same idea is contained in ἀρετὴ and virtus. Such a woman is not simply loving and modest and loyal, but is a crown to her husband; is an honour to him, adorns and beautifies his life, making, as it were, a joyous festival. So St. Paul (1 Thessalonians 2:19) calls his converts "a crown of glorying." The allusion is to the crown worn by the bridegroom at his marriage, or to the garlands worn at feasts (comp. Song of Solomon 3:11; Isaiah 61:10; Wisd. 2:8). The Son of Sirach has much praise for the virtuous woman: "Blessed is the man that hath a good (ἀγαθῆς) wife, for the number of his days shall be double. A virtuous (ἀνδρεία) woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace" (Ecclus. 26:1, 2). She that maketh ashamed; "that doeth shamefully" (Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 19:26); one who is a terrible contrast to the woman of strong character - weak, indolent, immodest, wasteful. Is as rottenness in his bones (Proverbs 14:30; Habakkuk 3:16). Such a wife poisons her husband's life, deprives him of strength and vigour; though she is made "bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh" (Genesis 2:23), far from being a helpmate for him, she saps his very existence. Septuagint, "As a worm in a tree, so an evil woman destroyeth a man." Here again Siracides has much to say, "A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees" (Ecclus. 25:23). Thus runs a Spanish maxim (Kelly, 'Proverbs of All Nations') - "Him that has a good wife no evil in life Hebrew A wifeאֵֽשֶׁת־ (’ê·šeṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female of noble character חַ֭יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength is her husband’s בַּעְלָ֑הּ (ba‘·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner crown, עֲטֶ֣רֶת (‘ă·ṭe·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5850: A crown, wreath but she who causes shame מְבִישָֽׁה׃ (mə·ḇî·šāh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed is like decay וּכְרָקָ֖ב (ū·ḵə·rā·qāḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7538: Rottenness, decay in his bones. בְּעַצְמוֹתָ֣יו (bə·‘aṣ·mō·w·ṯāw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame Links Proverbs 12:4 NIVProverbs 12:4 NLT Proverbs 12:4 ESV Proverbs 12:4 NASB Proverbs 12:4 KJV Proverbs 12:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:4 French Bible Proverbs 12:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:4 A worthy woman is the crown (Prov. 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