Bonus Bible Verses: Her husband has full confidence in her. … Her husband … praises her (Proverbs 31:11, 28, NIV).

The Proverbs 31 description of a virtuous and capable wife is often cited on Mother's Day. But the Bible tells us three things about the godly husband who stands behind every noble wife:

• He trusts his wife. In order for her to do all the things described in this chapter, she must have the complete trust and unconditional support of her husband. If he were always looking over her shoulder, finding fault with her way of doing things, or insisting on doing everything himself, she wouldn't have the freedom to develop her gifts as God intended.

• He takes care of his own business. Verse 23 says that the noble woman's husband is respected in the community. A man gains that by working hard, building relationships, giving wise counsel, and conducting himself with dignity and integrity. One of the things that motivates the wife in watching over her own household is her husband's character. His honor is also her honor.

• He encourages his wife. A woman's work is extremely demanding. It's hard to persevere in difficult work without getting constant encouragement. If a husband has a critical spirit, his wife won't flourish; she'll struggle in her work, and will never become the woman God wants her to be. The noble husband recognizes his responsibility to be his wife's number one supporter.

—Philip Ryken in He Speaks to Me Everywhere

Adapted from He Speaks to Me Everywhere (P&R Publishing, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You designed male and female to complement each other. Help me mesh with Your design.

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