In today's world, the role of a wife is constantly evolving, but for Christian women, understanding the biblical blueprint for being a wife can provide clarity and purpose.
The concept of a "Biblical Wife" isn't just about fulfilling traditional roles; it's about embracing a life of virtue, love, and partnership as outlined in scripture. Whether you're a newlywed, a seasoned spouse, or preparing for marriage, exploring what it means to be a biblical wife can enrich your faith and deepen your marital relationship.
Join us as we delve into the qualities and responsibilities that define a biblical wife and provide timeless wisdom for modern Christian women.
Virtues of a Biblical Wife
This section of Proverbs highlights the qualities of a virtuous wife, such as strength, dignity, and wisdom. She is also described as hardworking, caring for her household, and managing her affairs with efficiency and grace. I’m sure we can all think of several women in our lives who seem to have a million things to do, yet she somehow does it all well. We wonder, “How does she do it all?” I’m sure she would tell us that it didn’t come all at once, but overtime, as she learned and relied on God to give her the abilities she needed.
Proverbs also teaches that her strength and dignity are evident in her actions, and her wisdom is reflected in her words. She is praised for her fear of the Lord, which underpins all her virtues, making her a model of godly womanhood.
Inner Beauty
Another important virtue that a Biblical wife has is inner beauty. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over external adornment. A gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight, is valued more than outward appearance. This inner beauty stems from a heart that is at peace and in alignment with God's will, demonstrating humility and calmness in her demeanor.
In today’s world of social media and constantly changing beauty trends, it can be difficult for women to feel beautiful and confident. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting what your favorite influencer has that you don’t and feeling unhappy as a result. When women are constantly comparing themselves to others, it takes away from them seeing their own beauty. When I read the scripture in Peter about the importance of inner beauty rather than external adornment, I’m reminded that Biblical women aren’t supposed to blend in, and true beauty comes from our relationship with God and how He feels about us.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with doing things to help us feel more beautiful. One thing that really makes a difference for me is getting dressed up every now and then. Poet Dresses has some beautiful dresses that are stylish, functional, AND modest. Doesn’t get better than that, right? You can wear them for church, nice dinners, or even just around the house to give yourself a little confidence boost. Check out their great styles at their website and find the one that speaks to you!
Role in Marriage
Submission to the Husband
Feminism has become a very prevalent topic in our society, and traditional femininity has become a less popular choice for many women. In some ways, it’s even looked down upon by many people.
A wife who submits to her husband is sometimes seen as “oppressed” and “controlled”, and Paul’s teaching in Ephesians on submission is often misunderstood. It speaks of a loving and respectful partnership where the wife voluntarily respects her husband's leadership, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church. This submission is not about inferiority but about a harmonious and loving dynamic within the marriage.
Mutual Love and Respect
Colossians 3:18 emphasizes mutual respect and love in marriage. The wife is called to respect her husband, while the husband is called to love his wife. This mutual respect and love create a harmonious partnership where both partners work together, supporting and uplifting each other, in accordance with God's design for marriage.
Being a Biblical wife who submits to her husband isn’t degrading or demeaning when the husband and wife both understand the importance of the other one in the marriage. Men and women were meant to work together and complete each other, not compete against each other.
Faith and Spiritual Growth
These two sections of verses show the importance of faith and spiritual growth for a wife:
1 Corinthians 7:14
This verse emphasizes the impact of a wife's faith on her family. Her faith can sanctify her husband and children, and reflect the powerful influence a godly wife can have on the spiritual atmosphere of her home. Her dedication to God can lead her family closer to Him.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
Paul encourages women to focus on good deeds, emphasizing that a biblical wife should live a life that reflects her faith and devotion. Her godliness is displayed through her actions, kindness, and service, demonstrating her commitment to living according to God's will. This outward manifestation of her inner faith serves as a testimony to others of God's work in her life.
My sister is a woman I know who really embodies these qualities of faith and devotion to God. She inspires me and everyone in her life to do what’s right and be close to God because she does it so openly. I find that by simply watching how she involves God in her life, I want to do it more. I see that she teaches her children about God and it’s a great example to me of a woman who leads her family in faith.
I’m sure we all have at least one woman in our lives who exemplifies what it means to be a biblical wife, and you may be thinking you are no where near being that kind of wife. The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to be perfect at it. I’ve only been married for a year and it takes daily efforts to be the kind of wife I know God wants me to be. Being a biblical wife may be less and less popular in the world, but I know God sees our efforts and will help us maintain His values in a society that is starting to forgot about them.
- Lizzie Ripplinger