The Ideal Wife According to the Bible: Servant Leadership and Godly Qualities

Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a divine union meant to reflect the love between God and His people. The concept of what constitutes a 'good' wife is a topic deeply rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in Scriptures like Proverbs and Corinthians. This article delves into the qualities of a godly wife, as outlined by the Bible, and how these characteristics help in building a successful, spiritually fulfilling marriage.

Why Marriage in the Bible?

Marriage is often seen as a solution to control sexual desires. According to the Bible, it is better for a person to marry and fulfill these desires with a loyal spouse rather than to engage in promiscuous behavior. This teaches us that marriage is not merely about love but also about discipline and guidance.

Comparing Different Views

In the Song of Solomon, the idea of seeking true love is depicted, which may not necessarily mean marriage in the traditional sense. The Bible suggests that seeking a spouse does not need to be an unknown search, implying that one should focus on their relationship with God instead.

Paul’s Guidance on Marriage

Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 7 emphasizes that it is better to remain unmarried if one can control their passions (V7–9). However, he also advises those unable to resist the urge for marriage to do so, with a strong emphasis that marriage is a one-time opportunity. He further states (V34) that focusing on marriage can be a distraction from one’s relationship with the Lord. This guidance aims to address the complexities of sexual desires and their management.

The Characteristics of a Godly Wife

A godly wife is one who exemplifies qualities that are both visible and invisible, as described in the Bible. These include peace, quietness, dignity, wisdom, kindness, and faithfulness. Key qualities that make a wife 'godly' include:

Trust and Dignity: The wife is fully trusted, ensuring no suspicions or concerns arise regarding fidelity. Support and Selflessness: She supports her husband and is never vindictive, always giving him praise and lifting him up. Household Management: She manages the household well, being respected and economically prudent. Altruism and Ambition: She is generous to the poor and needy, yet maintains her personal health and well-being. Financial Independence and Ambition: She engages in business independently and contributes positively to the household. Hope and Faith: She remains joyful and confident in the future, knowing God's control over everything.

These virtues highlight the ideal of a wife who is both capable and submissive. Submission, in the biblical context, is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of following Christ’s example of submission to His Father. This balance of strength and humility allows for a harmonious and spiritually rich partnership.

Fear of the Lord

One of the most crucial aspects of a godly wife is her fear of the Lord. This fear does not imply fear in a negative sense but an awe and reverence for God. Pursuing Jesus and abiding in Him leads to the manifestation of godliness in her life, as seen in John 15:4.

Conclusion

The biblical portrait of a godly wife is not just a theoretical ideal but a guiding light for Christians striving to build a meaningful and God-honoring marriage. While perfection may not be achievable in this life, a growing relationship with Christ will lead to an increasingly godly life in marriage. As God’s people, our primary focus must always be on what pleases Him in all aspects of our lives, including our marriages.

Quoted sources:

Proverbs 31:10-31 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 27-29, 34 Mark 10:11-12 Matthew 19:10-12 John 5:19, 10:30 Matthew 26:39 Ephesians 5:22 1 Timothy 4:7-8 John 15:4