Photo Credit: theinspiredcafe.com

As a full-time homemaker, I am often referred to as John’s wife.  Because I am not employed outside my home, some people don’t know exactly how to refer to me.  So, I get the title of “John’s wife”.  That’s not a bad title considering I’ve loved being my husband’s wife for the past 36 years.  It is sad though that by overlooking my contribution to our marriage, family and home, they miss the best of him.  Well, virtuous woman, the opposite is also true.  When my husband is not recognized for who he is, the best of me is overlooked.  The Noble Wife has a tremendous amount of influence in how her husband is perceived.  Good or bad.

As I’ve previously stated here, this woman is so on the ball.  She’s got a lot going for herself. She has all sorts of gifts, talents and influence.  She knows her place. It’s a good place. She embraces her brilliant mind and God-given confidence.  She’s no shrinking violet. With that in mind,  Let’s take a look at today’s passage in Proverbs 31:23:

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

I love that the virtuous woman’s husband is respected at the city gate.  The city gate was a place where the courts of justice were kept, where causes were heard and tried by the judges, the elders of the land.  This man was among them, was known there, taken notice of and celebrated, not so much for the beautiful garments she made him, but for his wisdom and for being the husband of such a woman. [Gill’s]  I love that!  He was respected among his peers for making a wise choice in choosing a wife.  Our husbands have their own ‘city gates’.  Places where they gather to do business and their places of activity: his job, his relationships with his children, his ministry, etc.  Do your husband’s peers think him wise for choosing you?  While we don’t (and shouldn’t) base our worth on what others think (even his family), the question bears noting here.

Proverbs 12:4 says that, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”

Ouch.  You see, a Godly wife contributes greatly to the success and prosperity of her husband.  I can only speak for myself, but I NEVER want to be a decay to my husband’s bones. I know for sure that I have been.  I want to be the CROWN on his head and bring life to him.  My desire and yes, my actions, should help my husband be free from anxiety and distraction in order to take his seat at the city gates.  I never want to be a hindrance to his advancement but help further it by being a wife of noble character.  Speaking well of him.  Being discreet.  Creating an environment where he can thrive.  Never giving him a reason to question or distrust my motives, my love, my dedication and commitment to him.

I love this by Gill’s Commentary.  It puts this into perspective to me.  Take a look:

Christ is the husband of the church in general, and of particular churches, and of every private believer; He fell in love with them, asked them of His Father, and betrothed them to Himself; and is a kind, tender, loving, and sympathizing husband to His church and people; that nourishes and cherishes them, and provides all things for them, and interests them in all He has: and He is “known” by them, in the dignity of His person, in the excellency of His offices, and the fullness of His grace; He is known by them in the relation of an husband; He is well known in the church of God, in the assembly of His saints, ( Psalms 76:1 ) ; He is known in the gates of Zion, in the public ministering of the word and ordinances; His name is celebrated, it becomes great and famous, wherever His Gospel is preached in the world; He is, “known in the provinces,” or, “among the cities,” when He sits among the elders of the land; when He sits in his house, at His table, circled by His saints, His ancient ones; or as King, head, and husband of His people, on His throne in the church, encompassed with, the four and twenty elders, the representatives of Gospel churches, ( Revelation 4:2-4 ) and especially when He shall take to Himself His great power, and reign gloriously before His ancients, the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, and all His saints, which will come with Him; whom He has loved with an everlasting love; who were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world; and had grace given them, in Him, before the world began, ( Isaiah 24:23 ) ; and when He shall come to judge the world, and will appear in great glory, and be seen and known of all; and shall sit on His throne of glory, and His elders also, sitting on twelve thrones, judging the tribes of Israel, ( Matthew 19:28 ).

Dear Virtuous Woman, just as Christ is known by us, His Bride, my husband is also known in his circle of influence because of me, his bride.  I never want the best of me to be overlooked.  Do you? LORD, may I never bring harm to his reputation or decay to his bones.  Amen.

I welcome your comments here.

+First Look: Re-read Proverbs 31:23–What is God saying to you after reading the commentary in this blog?  How do you perceive your relationship to Christ as a result of the commentary?

+Through The Looking Glass: How do you bring life to your husband among his circle of influence? How might you do better?