Happy Wife, Happy Husband


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We have heard, “Happy wife, happy life.” (Or, for the husbands, “Happy spouse, happy house.”) A Proverbs 31 woman is not only a happy wife. She also makes her husband happy.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. … Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. (vv. 11-12, 23, ESV).
I remember a story where a rich businessman and his wife stopped at a red light in an intersection. Then, out of nowhere, a homeless guy suddenly sprayed water with detergent on his BMW’s windshield and wiped it dry with his squeegee. He was about to scold the guy but the wife stopped him. She recognized him as the guy she used to date. So, out of pity, he gave him more money. Driving away, the businessman was all smiles. The wife asked why he’s grinning from ear to ear. He proudly answered, “Aren’t you happy you married me and not him?” She retorted, “If I married him and not you, he would be the businessman and you would be the homeless guy!”

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A Proverbs 31 woman brings out the best in her husband. She is good for him.  He won’t regret trusting her. 
This kind of woman is an asset, not a liability, to her husband. Good comes to him that can be directly attributed to her. She supports and encourages him. And she is faithful in helping him all … her life. [1]
Her husband was one of the leaders in that community. The “gates… [where] the elders of the land” sit was where they transacted “legal and judicial affairs”. [2] 

Proverbs 31:23. Image credit

She complements her husband’s strengths and compensates for his weaknesses.
A husband and wife should complement each other as they each seek to fulfill their roles in the will of God. Wise is that husband who recognizes his wife’s strengths and lets her compensate for his weaknesses. Doing this isn’t a sign of personal failure, nor is it rebellion against the divine order (1 Cor. 11:3). Both leadership and submission in a home are evidences of love and obedience, and the one doesn’t nullify the other. [3]
So, because of her sacrificial efforts, she deserves to be lauded. 
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:28-30)
Husbands, have you taken the time to appreciate your wives? Wives, have you displayed that reverential fear of the Lord in your lives?

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“Wise” Step

Make an inventory of your (both husband and wife) strengths and weaknesses. Discuss how you complement each other’s strengths and compensate for one another’s weaknesses. Take time to appreciate how your spouse brings out the best in you.

NOTE: This is Day Five of the devotional guide (Volume 1, Issue 10) of our church, Filinvest Community Christian Fellowship, for the message on “Becoming a Woman of Impact” yesterday, May 10.  In view of the Mother's Day celebration yesterday, I opted to post this series of devotional guide. Issue 9 will be posted afterwards.

[1] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, Eds. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983, 1985), 972. Emphasis his.

[2] Ibid, 973.

[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Skillful (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1995), 100.

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