Proverbs 12:4
A noble wife is the crown of her husband,
but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.
Curious word, noble. I wonder why it would be used here? Perhaps to describe the kind of woman that is described at the end of this book. That kind of woman, the Proverbs 31 woman is the crown of her husband. This kind of woman brings good attention on her husband. The things she does in the community are things that not only further her reputation, but also her husband’s.
When you have a wife who is noble, she doesn’t just help her husband’s reputation, but she also increases his influence in their community. The kind of man that could land a woman like this must be a trustworthy man.
However, the wife who acts shamefully does just the opposite. Acting shamefully isn’t just talking about being a woman who “gets around.” While it can mean that, it also covers the idea of a woman who does thing that bring shame on herself and her husband as well. Gossip, slander, disrespect, quarreling, etc. A woman who acts this way brings him down. Not just in the community, but in his body.
How does your wife affect your reputation? Your wife is not just someone you spend your life with, she is someone who will help you or harm you.
If you’re the wife, how are affecting your husband’s reputation? Are you increasing his influence or bringing him down?
