Let us now look at 30 excellent Bible verses about wives that will inspire and guide both the husband and the wife.
The Bible, the source of spiritual guidance for millions of people around the world, offers insights into various aspects of life, including the role and characteristics of a wife. In this article, we will delve into what the Bible teaches about being a wife, exploring the expectations, qualities, and behaviors that make a wife honorable or dishonorable according to biblical principles.
Table of Contents
The Role of a Wife in a Family
A wife plays a pivotal role in the family unit, with the Bible emphasizing the importance of partnership and companionship in marriage.
- She is called to be a helper to her husband, providing support, encouragement, and assistance in both the practical and emotional aspects of life.
- This role involves being a trustworthy confidante, a compassionate listener, and a source of comfort during challenging times.
- The Bible highlights that a wife should respect and submit to her husband’s leadership within the framework of love and mutual understanding.
- This does not suggest subservience, but rather an acknowledgment of roles within the marriage covenant.
The Characteristics of a Good Wife According to the Bible
A good wife, as described in the Bible, possesses various virtuous qualities that contribute to the stability and harmony of the family.
- She is known for her wisdom, exhibiting discernment and good judgment in decision-making. (Proverbs 31:26 – “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”) Her words are measured and offer constructive guidance, demonstrating thoughtfulness and consideration. (Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”)
- A good wife is diligent and hardworking, managing household affairs with efficiency and care. (Proverbs 31:27 – “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”) She is organized, ensuring that the needs of her family are met, and exhibits resourcefulness in managing resources. (Proverbs 31:15 – “She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.”)
- The Bible praises a woman of integrity, emphasizing the importance of honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness. (Proverbs 31:10 (NIV) – “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”) Such a wife remains faithful to her husband, both emotionally and physically, fostering an environment of trust and security within the marriage. (Proverbs 31:11–12 – “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”)
The Characteristics of a Bad Wife According to the Bible
While the Bible offers guidance on being a good wife, it also highlights traits and behaviors that can hinder a healthy marital relationship.
- A bad wife, according to biblical teachings, lacks wisdom and discernment, often engaging in foolish actions and decisions. (Proverbs 14:1 – “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”) Her words may cause harm, lacking kindness and wielding the power of the tongue destructively. (Proverbs 27:16 – “Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands.”)
- Laziness characterize a bad wife, neglecting her responsibilities and failing to contribute to the well-being of the family. (Proverbs 12:4 – “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”) She may display a lack of initiative and motivation, ignoring the needs of her spouse and children. (Proverbs 11:22 – “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”)
- The Bible warns against a contentious and quarrelsome wife, emphasizing the detrimental effects of constant strife and conflict within the marriage. (Proverbs 21:9 – “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”) A bad wife may exhibit a divisive spirit, perpetuating tension and hindering the growth of love and unity. (Proverbs 19:13 – “A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”)
Famous Christian Quotes About Wives
Awesome Bible Verses About Wives from Different Books of the Bible
Let us now look at various Bible verses about wives from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs.
Old Testament Bible Verses About Wives
The Old Testament contains several verses that provide various insights into the roles, qualities, and significance of wives, emphasizing their value, wisdom, diligence, faith, companionship, and the importance of a harmonious and faithful marital relationship. Here are a few Old Testament Bible verses about wives, from books other than Proverbs and Psalms, along with their meanings.
Genesis 2:24: “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Meaning: This verse establishes the foundation of marriage, emphasizing the oneness and unity of husband and wife.
Ecclesiastes 9:9: “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
Meaning: It encourages married couples to find joy and contentment in their relationship throughout the ups and downs of life.
Malachi 2:14: “You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
Meaning: This verse underscores the sanctity of the marriage covenant and warns against unfaithfulness within marriage.
Genesis 2:18: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
Meaning: This verse highlights God’s intention to create a complementary partner, or a wife, for Adam to provide companionship and assistance in life.
Song of Solomon 4:7: “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.”
Meaning: This verse, from the poetic Song of Solomon, reflects the deep love and admiration between a husband and wife, celebrating the wife’s beauty and purity.
Ruth 1:16: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'”
Meaning: Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, showcase the qualities of faithfulness and devotion that are often attributed to an ideal wife.
1 Samuel 1:8: “Elkanah her husband would say to her, ‘Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?'”
Meaning: This verse illustrates the care and concern of a husband, Elkanah, for his wife, Hannah, highlighting the emotional support husbands should provide to their wives.
Genesis 24:67: “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
Meaning: This verse shows the importance of love and companionship within marriage, as Isaac found comfort and happiness in his wife, Rebekah.
Judges 13:23: “But his wife answered, ‘If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and grain offering from our hands, nor shown us all these things or now told us this.'”
Meaning: In this context, the wife of Manoah displays faith and understanding, illustrating the valuable role of wives as partners in faith and discernment.
1 Samuel 25:3: “His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite.”
Meaning: Abigail’s character, contrasted with her husband Nabal’s, underscores the impact a wise and virtuous wife can have in a challenging marital situation.
Ezekiel 16:8: “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.'”
Meaning: This passage uses the metaphor of God’s relationship with Israel as a husband and wife to describe God’s loving and protective care for His people.
Bible Verses About Wives from the Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms primarily consists of prayers, songs, expressions of praise, and poetry rather than explicit teachings on the roles of wives. However, there are still some verses in the book that mention wives or can be related to the qualities and significance of wives within the context of family and relationships.. Here are some verses, along with their meanings as they pertain to the themes of companionship, relationships, and wisdom:
Psalm 128:3: “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”
Meaning: This verse portrays a wife as a source of blessing and productivity within the home, contributing to the family’s growth and well-being.
Psalm 34:12-14: “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Meaning: Although not explicitly about wives, these verses emphasize the importance of virtuous conduct in relationships, which applies to both husbands and wives in building a harmonious home.
Psalm 37:3: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
Meaning: This verse encourages trust in God and living a righteous life, principles that can apply to both husbands and wives to cultivate a healthy marital relationship.
Psalm 127:3-5: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
Meaning: While this verse primarily discusses children, it indirectly acknowledges the role of a wife in bearing and raising children as part of God’s blessings within a family.
Psalm 68:6: “God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Meaning: This verse underscores the idea of God’s provision of companionship and the importance of family, where a wife plays a central role as a companion and partner.
Psalm 112:1-3: “Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.”
Meaning: These verses highlight the blessings of those who fear the Lord and live righteously, including the prosperity and harmony found within their homes, which may include the contributions of a godly wife.
Psalm 85:10-11: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.”
Meaning: These verses emphasize the importance of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace in relationships, qualities that wives and husbands should cultivate within their marriages.
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Meaning: This verse speaks to the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life, including marriage, where wives and husbands can apply God’s word to make wise decisions.
Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Meaning: This verse highlights the beauty of unity and harmony among God’s people, which applies to marital relationships where husband and wife are meant to live in unity and love.
Psalm 144:12: “Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.”
Meaning: This verse speaks to the welfare and strength of children, and by extension, the role of a wife in nurturing and supporting the family.
Bible Verses About Wives from the Book of Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs in the Bible contains numerous verses that provide wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life, including the role of wives and women in society. Here are some Bible verses about wives from Proverbs, along with their elaborated meanings:
Proverbs 12:4: “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
Meaning: A virtuous and noble wife brings honor and joy to her husband, while a disrespectful and dishonorable wife can cause great pain and sorrow.
Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Meaning: This verse highlights the value of a loving and supportive wife, emphasizing that marriage is a blessing from God. A good wife is a valuable gift that brings favor and goodness into a man’s life.
Proverbs 19:14: “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
Meaning: It underscores the idea that a wise and virtuous wife is a gift from God, far more valuable than material possessions. A discerning wife’s qualities are not determined by earthly wealth or social status.
Proverbs 31:10: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
Meaning: This verse extols the virtues of a capable and virtuous wife, emphasizing her rarity and immeasurable worth. She is exceedingly valuable, surpassing the worth of precious gems, because her qualities are precious.
Proverbs 31:26: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Meaning: A wise wife contributes to her family’s welfare through her wise words and teachings. She imparts knowledge and guidance to her family through her actions, promoting a harmonious and exemplary household.
Proverbs 31:27: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Meaning: This verse highlights the importance of a diligent wife who takes responsibility for her family’s welfare and doesn’t engage in laziness. She ensures that everything is well-managed and cared for.
Proverbs 21:9: “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Meaning: It emphasizes the difficulties of living with a contentious wife, suggesting that harmony in marriage is preferable. It is better to have solitude and peace than to live in constant conflict and strife with an argumentative wife.
Proverbs 21:19: “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”
Meaning: Similar to the previous verse, it stresses the toll of a nagging and argumentative wife on marital life. A contentious wife can make life unbearable, and it is preferable to live in isolation than to endure constant complaints and arguments.
Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
Meaning: A loving and nurturing wife and mother is held in high regard by her family, and they acknowledge her value and express their gratitude.
Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Meaning: Outer beauty and charm are temporary, but a woman who reveres and honors God with her life and actions deserves admiration and praise.
These Bible verses about wives from Proverbs emphasize the importance of upright, wise, and loving wives, and the impact they have on their families and husbands’ personal lives. They also caution against the negative effects of contentious and quarrelsome behavior within marriage.
Bible Verses About Wives from the New Testament
The New Testament also contains several verses that provide guidance on the roles and qualities of wives. Here are a few New Testament Bible verses about wives along with their meanings:
Ephesians 5:22-24: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do 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.”
Meaning: This verse emphasizes the concept of submission in marriage, with wives respecting their husbands’ leadership, and husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the church.
Ephesians 5:31 (Quoting Genesis 2:24): “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Meaning: This verse emphasizes the unity and oneness of a husband and wife in marriage, as originally intended by God.
Ephesians 5:33: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
Meaning: This verse highlights the importance of love and respect within marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives deeply, and wives are called to show respect to their husbands.
Colossians 3:18-19: “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
Meaning: Similar to Ephesians, this passage stresses mutual respect and love in marriage, with wives submitting and husbands showing love without harshness.
1 Peter 3:1: “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
Meaning: This verse encourages wives to exemplify Christian virtues and lead by example, especially in situations where their husbands may not yet share their faith.
1 Timothy 2:9-10: “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Meaning: This passage emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, modesty, and good deeds over extravagant outward appearances.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4: “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
Meaning: This verse underscores the mutual responsibility of spouses to meet each other’s needs within the marriage relationship.
1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
Meaning: This verse highlights the order of authority in Christian relationships, with Christ as the head of the man, the man as the head of the woman, and God as the head of Christ.
Titus 2:3-5: “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Meaning: This passage encourages older women to live a disciplined life, and mentor and guide younger women in living virtuously and fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers.
1 Peter 3:7: “Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
Meaning: Husbands are called to treat their wives with understanding, respect, and honor, recognizing their equal value as partners in God’s grace.
Matthew 19:6: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Meaning: This verse emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the marriage bond, encouraging spouses to remain committed to one another.
These Bible verses about wives from the New Testament provide guidance on the functions and duties of wives within the context of Christian marriage, emphasizing love, respect, submission, and righteous living.
Lessons from the Lives of 11 Biblical Wives (Bible Verses About Wives)
Here are 11 wives from the Bible who can serve as examples for modern times, along with elaborate notes on their qualities and the life lessons they offer:
Eve
Qualities: Eve, the first woman, is known for her creation by God as a suitable helper for Adam. She represents the idea of being a partner to one’s spouse.
Lesson: Eve teaches the importance of companionship in marriage as well as the responsibility of supporting and working together with one’s spouse.
Sarah
Qualities: Sarah demonstrated faith as she followed her husband, Abraham, on a journey filled with uncertainties. She also displayed the qualities of beauty and grace.
Lesson: Sarah’s willingness to follow her husband through challenging times illustrate the value of trust and resilience in a marriage.
Rebekah
Qualities: Rebekah displayed kindness and hospitality when she offered to water Abraham’s servant and his camels. She was also resourceful in helping her son Jacob secure his father’s blessing.
Lesson: Rebekah’s kindness, hospitality, and resourcefulness serve as examples of how wives can contribute to their families’ well-being and success.
Rachel and Leah
Qualities: These sisters exemplified the importance of family unity and sisterhood. They supported each other through difficult circumstances.
Lesson: The stories of Rachel and Leah underscore the significance of family bonds and supporting one another in times of adversity.
Abigail
Qualities: Abigail is known for her intelligence, humility, and peacemaking skills. She prevented a potential conflict by acting wisely when her husband, Nabal, insulted David.
Lesson: Abigail’s wisdom and diplomacy demonstrate the power of humility and peaceful resolution in handling difficult situations within a marriage.
Ruth
Qualities: Ruth is a symbol of loyalty and devotion. She showed unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and worked hard to support their family.
Lesson: Ruth’s devotion, hard work, and selflessness inspire modern wives to prioritize family and relationships above personal gain.
Hannah
Qualities: Hannah exemplified faith, prayerfulness, and resilience as she prayed for a child. Her persistence and faith were rewarded with the birth of Samuel.
Lesson: Hannah’s trust in the Almighty serves as a model for seeking God’s guidance and blessings, even in challenging circumstances.
Esther
Qualities: Esther displayed courage and wisdom in risking her life to save her people from genocide. She used her position as queen for a noble cause.
Lesson: Esther’s bravery and sense of responsibility demonstrate how wives can use their influence for the greater good, even in positions of privilege.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Qualities: Mary is known for her purity, humility, and faith. She willingly accepted her role in God’s plan to bring Jesus into the world.
Lesson: Mary’s submission to God’s will is a valuable lesson for modern wives seeking to live out their faith and trust in God’s plan.
Priscilla
Qualities: Priscilla is often mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, as a devoted Christian couple who worked alongside the Apostle Paul in spreading the Gospel. She was known for her teaching and hospitality.
Lesson: Priscilla’s partnership with her husband and her active involvement in ministry emphasizes the idea of couples working together to serve a greater purpose.
Key Takeaways from Biblical Wives (Bible Verses About Wives)
There are several key takeaways and principles that we can infer and apply to modern life from the lives of these great women.
Companionship and Partnership: Some of these stories emphasize the idea that wives are intended to be companions and partners to their husbands. This underscores the importance of mutual support and teamwork in marriage.
Faith and Loyalty: Many biblical wives demonstrated strong faith, loyalty, and commitment to their families and God. Their stories inspire modern wives to prioritize trust and loyalty in their own relationships.
Conflict Resolution: The Bible offers examples of wives like Abigail who used wisdom and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and maintain peace within their marriages. This teaches us the importance of effective communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Family and Unity: The stories of biblical wives often revolve around family bonds and unity. These narratives highlight the significance of family relationships and the importance of working together as a team.
Influence for Good: Some wives, like Esther and Priscilla, used their influence and positions for the greater good. This encourages modern wives to consider how they can positively impact their communities and society.
Prayer and Faithfulness: Wives like Hannah demonstrated the power of prayer and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. This reminds us of the importance of turning to God in times of need and maintaining unwavering faith.
These biblical wives offer a range of qualities and examples, including faith, resilience, kindness, wisdom, and devotion, that can inspire modern wives in their own marriages and relationships. Their stories provide valuable insights into the principles of affection, faithfulness, and partnership that are timeless and relevant in today’s world.
Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Wives
In exploring the Bible verses about wives, it is essential to recognize that these teachings serve as guidance to conduct your lives in a spiritual and righteous manner. The Bible’s principles on the role of a wife and the characteristics of a good wife provide a framework for cultivating a healthy and God-honoring marriage.
By embracing the virtues described in the Bible verses about wives, a wife can contribute to the well-being of her family and nourish a loving and harmonious relationship with her spouse. Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes the importance of grace, forgiveness, and growth in all aspects of marital life, recognizing that every individual has room for improvement in their journey as a wife or husband.
By investigating these Bible verses about wives from both the Old Testament and New Testament, we can gain profound insights into the sacred institution of marriage. Remember, these Bible verses about wives are intended to guide and inspire, fostering love, respect, and unity within husband-wife relationships. Embracing the wisdom found within scripture can help strengthen marriages and create a foundation of mutual love and support.
In conclusion, these Bible verses about wives offer a rich source of guidance, inspiration, and wisdom for modern relationships and marriages. While these Bible verses about wives reflect the cultural and social context of their time, the underlying principles of love, respect, faithfulness, and partnership remain relevant and valuable in contemporary marriages. Several Bible verses about wives highlight the value of a wife’s virtuous character, wisdom, and industriousness. These qualities are timeless and speak to the importance of personal growth and development within marriage.
While some Bible verses about wives mention wives submitting to their husbands, it’s important to understand this within the context of mutual respect for one another. These Bible verses about wives emphasize the need for order and leadership within a marriage, but they also call on husbands to love and respect their wives.
Ultimately, these Bible verses about wives emphasize the importance of strong, loving, and God-centered relationships that can serve as a source of blessing and inspiration in our lives today.
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