A Wife of Noble Character: Strong Husband

Proverbs 31:23 -- "Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders."

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I believe this verse could easily be interpreted that she was defined by and blindly submissive to her husband in the way we know trophy wives of politicians and preachers today to be. This verse would not only condone that expectation but also encourage it. Perhaps, this inaccurate interpretation, this prideful mindset, is what got the stereotype started.

However, that idea is empty and hollow and contradicts everything else this passage describes about the wife. Without a husband you could not even label her a wife, but she is not defined by her husband.

Without a solid husband to stand strong in the name of the Lord, there is unbalance in the household and between your relationship with each other and with God. Without a solid wife to stand strong in the name of the Lord, the same unbalance occurs. Only when the husband, wife and God are in a relationship together can there be balance and peace in the household.

This verse describes her husband as well known, assumingly favored and well respected in the public sphere. The fact that he sits with other civic leaders puts him a place of power among the community. The favorable and powerful description of her husband reflects well of the wife of noble character.

She is steady and manages her household well, which in turn helps him to be better and steadier in the community. By being equals and working together, they lift each other up, putting Christ in front of them.

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