Marriage
The Regal Influence of a Virtuous Wife as Her Husband’s Crown
Scriptures: Proverbs 12:4 ; 1 Peter 3:3-4
by Jacob Abshire on February 16, 2024
Imagine a king without a crown. How regal is he? Like today, a royal crown was an emblem of grace and authority. When conferred upon a monarch, it spoke of honor, responsibility, and the collective aspiration of a people. With this in mind, King Solomon wrote Proverbs 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
Solomon was no stranger to wisdom (1 Kin. 4:29). His insight on the impact of a wife’s character is worth noting. The term “virtuous woman,” often used for this verse, or “wife of noble character,” as other translations word it, mirrors Boaz’s commendation to Ruth. It signified her moral rectitude and formidable strength of character (Ruth 3:11). It is a virtue that lays the foundation for a marriage that elevates and secures, much like a crown elevates authority and honor.
The excellent wife is like a crown that bestows dignity and grace upon her husband. “She is far more precious than jewels” (Prov. 31:10). Her trustworthiness, diligence, and wisdom enrich her husband’s life and elevate his standing in the community. “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (Prov. 31:23), a parallel to Boaz, illustrating the respect and stature a virtuous woman brings to her husband.
Yet, the wise king warned of the opposite—a woman who brings shame. This woman is likened to “rottenness in his bones” (Prov. 12:4). She is like a deep-seated decay that undermines the very foundation of his strength and vitality. The Bible further reinforces this wisdom, cautioning against the allure of external beauty and urging a deeper examination of character. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Prov. 31:30). A more careful look beyond the surface is necessary.
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter 3:3–4
Let’s consider some practical steps to foster this virtue:
- Cultivate Character: Prioritize inner beauty and godly character in yourself and your relationships. Let your actions and choices reflect the virtues you seek in others.
- Seek Wisdom: Ask God for wisdom and discernment in all aspects of life, especially in matters of the heart. Wisdom is a safeguard, a crown of grace upon your head (Prov. 4:7–9).
- Nurture Respect: Value and honor each other’s contributions to the relationship. Like the virtuous woman, let your actions bring respect and dignity to your spouse.
- Embrace Partnership: Recognize the strength of partnership. A virtuous relationship is one where both individuals uplift and support each other, enhancing each other’s life and purpose.
A virtuous partner is a crown, a symbol of honor and grace. Let us strive to be and seek those who embody such virtues that our lives and relationships may be adorned with the beauty of wisdom and character.