What is the description of a godly wife in the Bible?

The Godly Wife

The godly wife, in the Bible, is characterized by conformity to the laws and wishes of God. She is “Christ-like” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The apostle Paul describes the fruit of godliness as: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). A godly wife would lead a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2). Her devotion for God would shape her every word and deed.

In addition, the godly wife would be also submissive to her husband (Ephesians 5:22 also 1 Peter 3:1). Her submission is the kind that can be given only between equals, not a forced obedience, but a free will submission because the man was qualified by his Creator to be head (Genesis 3:16 also 1 Corinthians 11:3).

Proverbs 31

Solomon the wise listed the characteristics of the godly wife in Proverbs chapter 31 as follows:

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

The Virtuous Woman

The godly wife is a person of strong moral character, industrious, educator, capable and gracious to those who are in need. She spends her life in constant activity to make a good and prosperous home. She is one whom her husband can fully trust. And the secret of her success lies in her connection with God (Proverbs 9:10). For the Lord empowers every worthy aspect of her life and personality. Therefore, the godly wife will enjoy forever the sweet fruits of her unselfish labor and her good example.

Inner Beauty

In describing the godly wife, Solomon doesn’t speak about the outer beauty because charm and beauty in themselves are of little value. Instead, he focuses on the inner qualities of the heart. Similarly, Peter admonished the women believers saying, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3: 3,4).

A godly wife’s attraction should be the aroma of her sweet Christian life. She has a “chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:2). And she has self-control in style and taste; she is known in her consistency in all things.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team