Who’s A Good Husband?

Husband let me come to you from the other side, the Book of Proverbs is a Book of idioms, it isn’t a Book that one can understand word to word, it needs a figurative interpretation. Here we’ll look at a portion, Proverbs 31.

This Chapter is a popular place, but its interpretation isn’t what it is, many view the Chapter as the idealistic Biblical standard for every woman to attain, but if we interpret it as it is, it’s not at all talking about women but words of challenge to men to be supportive of their wives.

Cherish: In verse 10, a good husband should recognise the true value of his wife as a person. He should see her as God’s masterpiece that is worth more than rubies to cherish.

The world views intelligence, beauty and sportive as the only substantial worth, but physical features aren’t God’s measure of true value. Self-worth isn’t based on what we do but on a person created in the image of God.

A good husband doesn’t let his wife lose her sense of uniqueness; he cherishes her for who she is.

Supporting: In verse 11, a good husband believes in the potential of his wife, he allows her to be fulfilled and productive both in and out of the home, it extends to verses 16 and 20.

In Hebrew tradition and culture, not just in Hebrew, it’s common everywhere, the husband is viewed as the sole provider for the family, while the wife is left out of the equation, but in Proverbs 31, a good husband challenges the myth. He creates premises of understanding which equally put his wife in a responsible position like him.

Submission: The Biblical concept of submission isn’t that of a subjugated role, both the wife and her husband are called to be submissive to one another, Ephesians 5:21.

Submission should be equal and opposite in any form it’s offered, that doesn’t make the women equal in authority, it’s for the benefit of understanding.

The wife submits to her husband to support her to reach her full potential as a person, on the other hand, the husband responds to that submission by submitting to support her.

One of the good deeds of marriage is for the man to support the wife to succeed, and he provides an atmosphere in which she is free to succeed without letting his ego get in her way.

Listening: In verse 26, a good husband listens and hears from the wisdom of his wife, he doesn’t use harsh words, instead he respects her faithful instructions.

A good husband doesn’t think like Pilate (Matthew 27:19), Pilate was warned by his wife not to kill Jesus Christ, but he ignored her advice and had the Son of God crucified.

Praise: In verse 29, a good husband praises the virtue and accomplishments of his wife, he doesn’t flatter her wrongfully, but praises her for her fear of God (verses 30) and her successful endeavours (verses 31), he lets others know that his wife is extra unique.

It means much to a wife to know her husband praises her more than loving. A good husband seeks ways to praise his wife, this act is transforming and powerful for the woman to freely express herself.

A good husband doesn’t expect his wife to become perfect in a moment like the woman described in Proverbs 31, instead he encourages his wife in a pathway of personal growth toward being that phenomenal wife recognised in the Chapter.

-Kanayo Ebuka