The Bible has a lot to say about wives, offering wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for women in marriage.
From the beginning of creation to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture highlights the role of a wife as a companion, helper, and person of great influence in the family.
But what does the Bible truly say about being a wife?
Let’s explore God’s design for wives, their responsibilities, and the love they are meant to experience in marriage.
The Creation of Wives: God’s Perfect Plan
The Bible begins with the story of creation, where God made man and woman to live together in unity.
Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
God designed wives to be more than just partners; they are helpers, companions, and an essential part of a strong marriage.
The word “helper” in this verse is not meant to imply inferiority.
Instead, it signifies someone who brings strength and support.
In fact, the same Hebrew word is used to describe God as our helper in times of need.
This means that a wife plays a powerful role in her husband’s life, offering wisdom, encouragement, and love.
Genesis 2:24 adds, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Marriage is more than a legal agreement—it is a deep, spiritual union.
God intended for husbands and wives to live together in harmony, reflecting His love.
The Role of a Wife in Marriage
Throughout the Bible, wives are described as having many important roles in marriage.
One of the most well-known passages about a wife’s role is Proverbs 31:10-31.
This passage describes a wife of noble character who works hard, provides for her family, and brings honor to her husband.
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12).
A godly wife is someone who adds value to her marriage, making her husband’s life better with her presence and support.
She is also described as wise and resourceful.
Proverbs 31:26 says, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
A wife’s words carry great influence in her home, shaping the attitudes and decisions of her family.
Wives Are to Be Loved and Cherished
The Bible does not just focus on the responsibilities of a wife—it also highlights how a wife should be treated.
Ephesians 5:25 gives a strong command to husbands: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This is a high standard of love.
Just as Jesus sacrificed Himself for the church, husbands are called to love their wives selflessly and unconditionally.
This means a wife is not just a servant or a helper; she is to be cherished, respected, and valued.
Colossians 3:19 reinforces this by saying, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
God’s design for marriage is not one of control or abuse, but of love and mutual care.
A wife should feel safe, supported, and deeply loved in her marriage.
Submission and Respect: What Does It Mean?
One of the most debated topics in the Bible regarding wives is submission.
Ephesians 5:22 states, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
Some people misunderstand this verse, thinking it means wives have no voice or must obey their husbands without question.
However, biblical submission does not mean a wife is less important or has no say in her marriage.
Instead, it means she respects her husband’s leadership and works with him as a team.
Just a few verses later, in Ephesians 5:25, husbands are told to love their wives sacrificially.
This means that a husband is not a dictator, but a servant leader who puts his wife’s needs before his own.
A godly marriage is built on mutual love, respect, and understanding, not on control or oppression.
1 Peter 3:7 reminds husbands to “be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.”
This verse shows that marriage is about partnership, not dominance.
The Strength and Influence of a Wife
A wife has a great influence on her home and family.
Proverbs 14:1 states, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
A wife’s actions, words, and attitude can either strengthen or weaken her home.
A godly wife nurtures love, peace, and stability in her family.
She is also a source of wisdom.
Proverbs 19:14 says, “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
A wise wife brings wisdom and insight to her marriage, helping her husband make good decisions.
A wife’s prayers and faithfulness can even change the course of her family’s life.
1 Peter 3:1-2 encourages wives to live in a way that influences their husbands for good, saying, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
A wife’s actions speak louder than words, and her faithfulness can lead her husband closer to God.
Wives as Mothers and Nurturers
Many wives also take on the role of mothers, which adds another layer of responsibility and blessing.
Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us that “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
A wife’s role in raising children is vital, shaping the next generation with love and wisdom.
Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
A godly wife’s dedication to her family is deeply appreciated and remembered.
Challenges Wives Face in Marriage
Marriage is not always easy, and the Bible acknowledges the struggles wives may face.
There are times of hardship, disagreement, and challenges.
1 Corinthians 7:28 says, “Those who marry will face many troubles in this life.”
This does not mean marriage is bad, but it does mean that both husband and wife must work together through difficulties.
For wives facing challenges, God offers strength and wisdom.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
No matter the struggle, God is always present to guide and strengthen wives in their role.
Encouragement for Wives
The Bible provides many verses of encouragement for wives.
Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
A wife’s true worth is found in her faith, kindness, and devotion to God.
Titus 2:4-5 encourages older women to teach and encourage younger wives, saying, “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This shows the importance of mentorship and community among wives.
A wife does not have to figure everything out on her own—she can learn from others and grow in her faith.
Final Thoughts
The Bible paints a beautiful picture of what it means to be a wife.
A wife is a partner, a supporter, and a source of love and wisdom in her marriage.
She is meant to be cherished and loved by her husband, just as Christ loves the church.
God’s design for marriage is one of unity, love, and mutual respect.
For wives seeking to grow in their role, the Bible provides encouragement, wisdom, and hope.
No marriage is perfect, but with God at the center, every wife can find strength, guidance, and joy in her journey.