The Bible provides specific instructions to wives, emphasizing their roles within the family and the broader Christian community. These instructions are rooted in the principles of love, respect, and submission, reflecting the divine order established by God.

Submission and Respect

One of the primary instructions to wives is the call to submit to their husbands. This concept is articulated in Ephesians 5:22-24 : "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 submission is not indicative of inferiority but rather a reflection of the harmonious relationship between Christ and the Church. It is an expression of respect and acknowledgment of the husband's role as the spiritual leader of the household.

Love and Partnership

While submission is a key aspect, the Bible also emphasizes the mutual love and partnership between husbands and wives. In Colossians 3:18-19 , it is written: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of the marital relationship, where love and kindness are paramount. The instruction to husbands to love their wives underscores the importance of a nurturing and supportive partnership.

Adorning with Inner Beauty

The Bible encourages wives to focus on inner beauty and godliness. 1 Peter 3:1-4 states: "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, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage emphasizes the transformative power of a wife's conduct and character, which can influence her husband and others around her.

Role in the Household

Proverbs 31 provides a comprehensive picture of a virtuous wife, highlighting her industriousness, wisdom, and care for her household. Proverbs 31:10-12 describes her as "a wife of noble character," whose "husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life." The passage continues to detail her various responsibilities, from managing household affairs to engaging in commerce, illustrating the multifaceted role of a wife.

Teaching and Mentoring

Titus 2:3-5 instructs older women to mentor younger women, guiding them in their roles as wives and mothers: "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in their behavior, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited." This passage underscores the importance of mentorship and the transmission of godly values within the community.

In summary, the Bible's instructions to wives encompass submission, love, inner beauty, household management, and mentorship, all of which contribute to a harmonious and God-honoring family life.