Proverbs 12:4 The Excellent Wife

Proverbs 12:4  “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.” (NASB)

I have to admit I chose this Proverb quite randomly but it is solid truth and worthy of discussion.

The Proverb speaks about the impact a wife has on her husband either for good or for evil.  I am happy to say that my wife is my crown, I am very blessed. 

Let’s examine the Proverb a little deeper.  The excellent wife is the crown.  That is to say, she is the special adornment to him.  A crown on his head is an indication also of who he is, one worthy of wearing the crown.  The one who is worthy of the crown get’s the crown so the adornment of the excellent wife is not just a one way deal.  The husband with that excellent wife must be worthy of her.  I’ll come back to the excellent wife in a minute.

The contrast to the excellent wife is the one who shames her husband.  There are many ways a wife might shame her husband.  The simple sense is that the wife reflects the behavior and attitude of her husband.  If she behaves badly it not only says something about her but also about her husband.  He after all, must approve or condone the behavior.  So the wife that shames her husband with bad behavior is like a rotting in his bones.  Her behavior brings him down.

I don’t think it’s fair to leave this Proverb at the surface of the marriage between man and woman.  Scripture uses the relationship of husband and wife to explain the relationship of Christ to the Church.  (See Ephesians 5:22-33)  In this context we, the Church should take heed to this Proverb.  Are we, the local church, an excellent wife or do we shame Jesus.  I think it is fair to say as in our marriages we all have our moments.  Even in a good healthy marriage, from time to time we shame our spouse.  This then is also true of local churches.  From time to time we shame Christ – and that is a shame.

So, wives take heed of the Proverb; be an excellent wife and the crown on your husband’s head.  Men, rise up to the challenge, be worthy of your excellent wife, your crown.  Church – do the same; be that “Excellent wife” made perfect by Jesus and bring glory to Christ the King, worthy of His crown, the Church.  AMEN!