The biblical portrayal of the role of a wife is one of profound significance and honor. The Scriptures provide a comprehensive vision of how a wife should conduct herself, emphasizing qualities such as love, respect, wisdom, and partnership. According to biblical teachings, a wife is not only a companion but also a pillar of strength, nurturing the family with grace and dedication. This divine blueprint for marriage is designed to promote unity, harmony, and mutual respect, ensuring that both husband and wife fulfill their God-given roles within the sacred bond of marriage.
Bible Verses On How A Wife Should Be
I got married early, and from the beginning, I sought to build my marriage on the foundation of biblical principles. I allowed the words of Proverbs 31 to become my guide, inspiring me to approach my role as a wife with dedication and love. I learned to manage my household with care, ensuring that our home was a place of peace and comfort. I supported my husband in his endeavors, not just as his partner but as someone who truly believed in his potential. We faced challenges together, and I found strength in the verse from Genesis 2:18, reminding me that I was created to be his helpmeet, standing by his side in unity.
On the course of our marriage, I realized that submission was not about losing my voice but about creating harmony in our relationship. My husband, in turn, loved me as Christ loved the church, which made it easy for me to trust and respect him. As we grew, I saw how living in accordance with these biblical principles not only strengthened our bond but also brought us closer to God, making our marriage a true reflection of His divine love and purpose.
1. Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
The virtuous wife described in Proverbs 31 is highly valued, emphasizing the importance of noble character. Her worth surpasses material wealth, highlighting the value of her integrity and wisdom.
2. Proverbs 31:11
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
A wife should be trustworthy and reliable, bringing security to her marriage. The confidence a husband has in his wife stems from her consistent demonstration of wisdom, faithfulness, and care.
3. Proverbs 31:12
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
A wife should be committed to doing good to her husband, showing love, support, and kindness throughout her life. This verse emphasizes a wife’s dedication to her husband’s well-being.
4. Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
A wife should be wise and offer faithful guidance to her family. Her words should be filled with wisdom, reflecting her understanding and reverence for God.
5. Proverbs 31:27
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
A wife should be diligent and attentive to her household, avoiding laziness. Her care for her home reflects her commitment to her family’s well-being.
6. Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
A wife should be a blessing to her family, earning the praise of her husband and children. Her actions and character inspire respect and admiration.
7. Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
A wife’s true value lies not in her outward appearance but in her reverence for God. Her fear of the Lord is the foundation of her character and the source of her praise.
8. Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
A wife should respect and submit to her husband in a godly manner, reflecting her submission to Christ. This submission is not about inferiority but about honoring God’s order in marriage.
9. Ephesians 5:24
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
The submission of a wife to her husband mirrors the church’s submission to Christ. This biblical principle emphasizes mutual respect and godly order in the marriage relationship.
10. Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
A wife should show respect to her husband, acknowledging his role and leadership in the marriage. This mutual respect fosters a loving and harmonious relationship.
11. Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
A wife’s submission to her husband is fitting and appropriate in the Lord, reflecting her obedience to God’s design for marriage.
12. 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.”
A wife’s godly behavior can be a powerful witness to an unbelieving husband, potentially leading him to faith in Christ. Her actions speak louder than words, demonstrating her commitment to God’s principles.
13. 1 Peter 3:4
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
A wife’s inner beauty, characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit, is highly valued by God. This verse emphasizes the importance of inner character over outward appearance.
14. 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.”
Although this verse addresses husbands, it implies that a wife should be treated with respect and dignity. A wife’s value is recognized in the mutual respect that should exist within the marriage.
15. Titus 2:4
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.”
A wife should love her husband and children, setting an example for younger women. Her love is central to the well-being and harmony of the family.
16. Titus 2:5
“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.”
A wife should exhibit self-control, purity, kindness, and diligence in her home, reflecting godly virtues. Her behavior influences how others perceive the Christian faith.
17. 1 Timothy 5:14
“So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.”
A wife’s role includes managing her home well, protecting her family’s reputation and integrity. By fulfilling her duties, she prevents any grounds for criticism.
18. 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.'”
A wife is created to be a suitable helper for her husband, complementing and supporting him. This foundational verse highlights the partnership intended in marriage.
19. Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
A wife should be united with her husband, forming a deep and intimate bond. This verse underscores the oneness and commitment in marriage.
20. 1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
A wife has a duty to fulfill her marital responsibilities, showing love and care in the relationship. This mutual obligation strengthens the marriage bond.
21. 1 Corinthians 7:4
“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.”
A wife should yield herself to her husband, recognizing the mutual authority and love in marriage. This mutual submission fosters intimacy and trust.
22. 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.”
A wife should recognize her husband’s role as the head of the household, while both are under Christ’s authority. This order reflects God’s design for family leadership.
23. Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
A wife should be wise and constructive in her actions, building up her home and family. Her wisdom is a key factor in the stability and prosperity of her household.
24. 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.'”
A wife should be loyal and committed, as Ruth was to Naomi, showing devotion not only to her husband but to his family as well. Ruth’s loyalty is a model of steadfast love and commitment.
25. Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”
A wife should cherish her unique relationship with her husband, expressing love and belonging. This verse celebrates the exclusive and affectionate bond between husband and wife.
26. Song of Solomon 8:6
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”
A wife’s love for her husband should be deep and enduring, as unyielding as a flame. The intensity of marital love is compared to a powerful, unquenchable fire.
27. 1 Peter 3:5
“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands.”
A wife should adorn herself with a gentle and submissive spirit, following the example of holy women in the Bible. This inner beauty is of great value in God’s sight.
28. 1 Peter 3:6
“Like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.”
A wife should respect and honor her husband, as Sarah did with Abraham. Her obedience and faith are qualities to emulate, showing her trust in God’s plan.
29. Song of Solomon 4:7
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”
A wife should be cherished and appreciated for her beauty and worth. This verse expresses a husband’s deep admiration and love for his wife.
30. 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.”
A wife should be a source of joy and companionship for her husband. The verse encourages enjoying the shared life and love in marriage.
31. 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.”
A wife should be a source of comfort and love for her husband, as Rebekah was for Isaac. Her presence brings healing and emotional support.
32. Esther 2:17
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
A wife should be graceful and win the favor of her husband, as Esther did with the king. Her grace and wisdom are key to her husband’s admiration.
33. Hosea 2:19
“I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.”
A wife should be committed to a lifelong, covenantal relationship with her husband, marked by righteousness, love, and compassion. This verse reflects God’s covenantal love, which should be mirrored in marriage.
34. 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.”
A wife should be wise and discerning, as Abigail was. Despite being married to a harsh man, her wisdom and beauty stood out, and she acted prudently to protect her household.
35. Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
A wife should be seen as a blessing and favor from the Lord. Her presence in a man’s life brings goodness and divine favor.
36. Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
A wife should be prudent, showing wisdom and care in her decisions. Her prudence is a gift from the Lord, more valuable than material inheritance.
37. Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
A wife should avoid being quarrelsome or contentious, fostering peace in the home. A peaceful and cooperative spirit is crucial for a harmonious marriage.
38. Proverbs 21:19
“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”
A wife should be gentle and avoid nagging, as constant conflict can drive a husband away. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful relationship.
39. Proverbs 25:24
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Reiterating the value of peace in marriage, a wife should strive to be accommodating and loving, avoiding unnecessary disputes.
40. Proverbs 27:15-16
“A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.”
A wife should not be argumentative or difficult, as this can create a negative and draining atmosphere in the home. Harmony and understanding are essential for a stable marriage.
41. Micah 7:5
“Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.”
A wife should be trustworthy and loyal, ensuring that her husband can confidently confide in her. Trust is a cornerstone of a healthy marriage.
42. Jeremiah 31:22
“How long will you wander, unfaithful Daughter Israel? The Lord will create a new thing on earth—the woman will return to the man.”
A wife should remain faithful and committed to her husband, reflecting God’s design for marital fidelity. The verse suggests a restoration of proper relationships.
43. Judges 13:23
“But his wife answered, ‘If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor shown us all these things or now told us this.'”
A wife should be supportive and reassuring, as Manoah’s wife was, demonstrating faith and wisdom in times of uncertainty. Her calm assurance can guide her husband in difficult times.
44. 1 Corinthians 11:7
“A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
A wife should be a reflection of her husband’s glory, showing dignity and honor in her role. This verse highlights the complementary nature of husband and wife.
45. Song of Solomon 4:9
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”
A wife should captivate her husband’s heart, maintaining a deep, romantic connection. This verse celebrates the emotional and romantic bond in marriage.
46. Song of Solomon 7:10
“I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.”
A wife should embrace and celebrate her belonging to her husband, acknowledging the mutual desire and love in their relationship. This verse expresses the joy of marital love.
47. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
A wife should honor her marriage and remain faithful, keeping the marriage bed pure. This verse underscores the sanctity of marital fidelity.
48. 1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
A wife should remain committed to her husband for life, but in the case of his death, she is free to remarry, with the consideration that her new husband should be a believer. This verse highlights the lifelong commitment and the importance of shared faith.
49. 1 Samuel 1:8
“Her husband Elkanah 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?'”
A wife should value her relationship with her husband above all earthly desires, as Hannah was reminded by Elkanah. The verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing marital love and connection.
50. Genesis 3:16
“To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.'”
A wife’s desire should be for her husband, acknowledging his role in the relationship. This verse reflects the dynamics of marriage as established in the aftermath of the Fall.