Marriage

God's design and calling for you as a wife
This material appears courtesy of Covenant Keepers

Be a virtuous wife
The Scripture asks the question "Who can find a virtuous wife?" Then declares "For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safety trusts her" (Prov. 31:10,11). The word virtuous means one who possesses strength and substance. As you read the rest of Proverbs 31 you learn the characteristics that made her a woman of strength and substance and how these actions greatly affected her marriage. Notice that King Lemuel acknowledges that her worth is far above rubies. The word worth literally means if you had to pay for this kind of service it would be incredibly expensive; far above the cost of rubies. Scripture therefore reveals that a virtuous wife is far from an inferior position in a marriage. You are worth more than his paycheck could sustain!

The strength of a virtuous wife is revealed in her character as well as in the service that she renders toward others. She is very competent and industrious in the affairs of her home so that her husband may safely trust her decisions. Her actions show godly wisdom, and true kindness marks all the choices she makes. This ultimately gains her the praise of her husband and children.

This is the kind of wife God is calling you to be. But, what creates this character, strength, and virtue in your life? The answer is found at the end of this chapter when King Lemuel states "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" (Prov. 31:30). Here is where the strength of character comes from; her personal reverence and fear of God. The fear of God is a necessary attitude required for any wife to have the strength of character that will enable her to lead a life pleasing to God. The fear of the Lord is what motivates us to "hate evil" and "perfect holiness" in our personal life.
(Prov. 8:13) and (2 Cor. 7:1)

Do you want to become a virtuous wife? If you do, then you must surrender your life to Christ and ask Him to fill you with this reverent attitude toward the Father. Ask God for a hatred for that evil or sinful habit that captivates you at this moment. Begin to pursue God by seeking Him daily in His Word and petitioning Him for true holiness of heart. As you do, the strength of character and virtue you desire will naturally begin to change your life.

• Be a helper
  
• Be a prudent wife
  
• Be a submissive wife
  
• Be a companion