“Clothes make the man!” was a popular saying years ago. Solomon, however, would strongly disagree. To the contrary, he would say that “A worthy woman enhances her husband’s reputation and well-being and status in the community.” He does not imply, even slightly, that a wife “exists” only to “serve” a husband, but to do him “good.”
This “worthy woman” is more thoroughly described in Proverbs 31, and it is not by accident that in the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Ruth follows the book of Proverbs, a living example of what he is teaching. This wife of “noble character” stands as a “model wife” for the young man who one day will become a husband. A wife of “noble character” is the “crown” of her husband because she brings him esteem, honor, and worth in his community.
It stands in direct contrast to a wife who “shames her husband.” The wife who “shames” her husband, lowers his status and brings shame on him with her “lack of good judgment.” Her influence on his reputation is like “decay in his bones” - the “rotting” away of his life because he is never able to “rise above her reputation” or influence in the community where they live. No matter how successful he may be, she “brings him down” because she lacks the character that God will honor and bless! She does what displeases God!
When we look deeply into the importance of this verse, we discover the importance of a “noble wife.” We are warned about the seriousness and importance of choosing a partner for life. A partner is not to be chosen because of beauty or glamour or wealth. Godliness and character must come first. Then, the things God blesses, will follow.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for this warning and the truth it contains. Thank You, also, that change is possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
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