The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12
I love this scripture because it provides a foundational principle for the relationship between a husband and wife. Trust is at the core of every relationship, but it is especially vital in marriage, where two individuals become one. A husband needs to safely trust his wife, knowing that they are on the same team. This trust is especially important during difficult times, when the wife refrains from tearing him down, questioning his judgment, or throwing accusations at him because of past mistakes.
As the protector and provider of his family, a husband faces many battles in the outside world. He needs to stay focused, work hard, and remain alert to the dangers threatening his household. Therefore, it is crucial that when he comes home, he finds a place of rest and refuge. At home, he should feel safe, knowing he doesn’t need to defend himself or constantly prove himself. Instead, his wife should be on his side—encouraging him, believing in him, and building him up.
It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. Proverbs 25:24
Proverbs 25:24 highlights an important truth for women, too. This scripture reminds us of the impact our words and actions can have on those we live or work with. Women, by nature, tend to be more verbal and detail-oriented—qualities that can be great strengths. However, if unchecked, these same traits can lead to contention, frustration, and sometimes even competition about who is right. Many women are quick to share, debate, or argue their points with great passion, but this persistence can sometimes exhaust those around them, especially when the issue isn’t significant.
The above verse paints a striking picture: it’s better to dwell on a lonely, isolated corner of a housetop than to share a home with a contentious and argumentative woman. In biblical times, rooftops were flat and seldom used, perhaps for drying fruits or sleeping on hot nights. They weren’t places of comfort or community. Yet, the scripture emphasizes that isolation is preferable to constant conflict.
As women, we need to be mindful of how we interact with those around us. I heard a preacher say that the scripture says Blessed are the peacemakers not those who are always right! Let’s appreciate, encourage, and praise the people in our lives, giving thanks for their efforts. By being voices of affirmation and support, we can foster environments that we are missed when we are not there and we’re not being avoided.
Image by Lisa Caroselli from Pixabay