Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the role and significance of a wife are deeply rooted in the creation account and throughout the Scriptures. A good wife is often portrayed as a blessing and a sign of God's favor, embodying virtues that contribute to the well-being and spiritual health of the family unit.Creation and Purpose The concept of a wife is introduced in the creation account in Genesis. God, seeing that it was not good for man to be alone, created woman as a suitable helper for Adam. Genesis 2:18 states, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" This foundational passage highlights the complementary nature of the marital relationship, where the wife is seen as an essential partner in fulfilling God's mandate for humanity. A Sign of Favor Proverbs 18:22 underscores the idea that a good wife is a divine blessing: "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." This verse suggests that a wife is not merely a companion but a manifestation of God's grace and favor in a man's life. The favor of God, as expressed through a good wife, is seen in the harmony, support, and love she brings to the marriage. Virtuous Characteristics The Bible provides a detailed description of a virtuous wife in Proverbs 31:10-31. This passage extols the virtues of a wife who is industrious, wise, and caring. Proverbs 31:10 begins, "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies." The passage goes on to describe her as trustworthy, diligent, and a source of strength and dignity. Her fear of the Lord is highlighted as the foundation of her character, making her a true blessing to her husband and family. Role in the Family The New Testament further elaborates on the role of wives within the family structure. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "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." This passage emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and love within the marital relationship, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. A Source of Wisdom and Instruction A good wife is also seen as a source of wisdom and instruction within the home. Proverbs 1:8 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching." The role of a wife and mother in imparting wisdom and guiding the family in spiritual and moral matters is highly valued in Scripture. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, a good wife is consistently portrayed as a gift from God, embodying virtues that reflect His favor and grace. Her role as a partner, nurturer, and source of wisdom is integral to the family and the broader community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 18:22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Women as Well as Men, Slaves as Well as Freemen, Candidates for ... The Heavenly Banquet. Chapter xxxix Chapter xxvi Chapter xxxv A Discourse On Chapter xxxiv The Ark among the Flags Chapter xxxiii A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |