Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the role and significance of a wife are deeply rooted in the creation account and throughout the Scriptures. The Bible presents the concept of a wife as a divine gift and a vital companion to her husband, emphasizing the sanctity and importance of the marital relationship.Creation and Purpose The origin of the wife is found 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 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 Gift from the Lord The Bible underscores that a good wife is a blessing from God. Proverbs 18:22 declares, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." This verse suggests that a wife is not only a source of joy and companionship but also a sign of divine favor. The notion of a wife as a gift from God is further reinforced in Proverbs 19:14 : "Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." Virtuous Character The Scriptures provide a detailed description of the qualities of a virtuous wife in Proverbs 31. This passage, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," outlines the attributes of a wife who is industrious, wise, and compassionate. Proverbs 31:10-12 states, "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." This depiction emphasizes the value of a wife who embodies strength, dignity, and faithfulness. 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 highlights the biblical model of mutual respect and love within marriage, where the wife's role is seen in the context of a harmonious and Christ-centered relationship. Mutual Love and Respect While the Bible calls for wives to respect their husbands, it equally commands husbands to love their wives sacrificially. Ephesians 5:25 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This mutual dynamic of love and respect is foundational to a healthy and God-honoring marriage. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of wives is one of honor, dignity, and divine purpose. A good wife is seen as a precious gift from the Lord, embodying virtues that contribute to the well-being of her family and the fulfillment of God's design for marriage. Through the Scriptures, wives are encouraged to live out their roles with grace, wisdom, and a heart aligned with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 19:14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ... The Question of Novelty Further Considered in Connection with the ... Lastly, Let us Hear the Lord Himself Delivering Most Plain ... The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ... Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ... And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised... Why it was Sometimes Permitted that a Man Should have Several ... Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom. The Apostle Has Made Known to us Certain Three Unions... Samuel --The Child of the Temple. 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 |