What qualities lead a husband to "praise her" in Proverbs 31:28? The Setting of Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” (Proverbs 31:28) Everything the husband celebrates in verse 28 flows out of the wife’s character and actions described in verses 10-31. Scripture lays out at least eight overlapping qualities that move a godly man to speak commendation over his wife. 1. Trustworthiness (v. 11-12) • “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value.” • She “brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.” • A husband freely praises a wife whose motives he never has to question. Cross reference: Proverbs 12:4; 1 Peter 3:1-2. 2. Industrious Provision (v. 13-19, 24) • She “works with willing hands,” seeks “wool and flax,” and “brings her food from afar.” • She “sets about her work vigorously” and “her lamp does not go out at night.” • Verse 24 adds that she “makes linen garments and sells them.” A hard-working wife lifts financial pressure from her husband, prompting gratitude instead of anxiety. 3. Wise Management of the Home (v. 15, 21-22, 27) • She “rises while it is still night to provide food for her household.” • She keeps the family clothed against winter and dresses herself “in fine linen and purple.” • “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” A well-ordered, welcoming home becomes a daily testimony that stirs praise (Titus 2:4-5). 4. Generosity and Compassion (v. 20) • “She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Her husband loves seeing her heart enlarge beyond the walls of their home (Acts 9:36). 5. Strength and Dignity (v. 17, 25) • “She girds herself with strength.” • “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.” Inner fortitude and moral nobility bring honor to the whole household (Proverbs 12:4). 6. Wisdom and Kind Speech (v. 26) • “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Gentle counsel and gracious words build up a marriage rather than erode it (Colossians 4:6). 7. God-Centered Fear of the Lord (v. 30) • “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Reverence for God is the wellspring of every other virtue; her husband’s praise ultimately echoes God’s own commendation (Psalm 128:1-4). 8. Consistency Over Time (v. 12, 27) • She does good “all the days of her life,” and her vigilance “does not eat the bread of idleness.” Long-term faithfulness, not sporadic flashes of zeal, cultivates deep, lasting admiration. How These Qualities Converge in Praise When a husband witnesses: – unwavering integrity, – tireless diligence, – skillful stewardship, – open-handed mercy, – resilient strength, – wise, gracious words, – and above all, a vibrant fear of the Lord, he cannot stay silent. Love compels him to voice gratitude, honor, and public recognition—fulfilling Proverbs 31:28 and reinforcing God’s design that “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22). |
    |