The story goes like this:
One day, a governor and his wife were driving around the state where he governed. He was successful, smart, and dressed well, a very accomplished man. As they drove they came upon a work area where men were digging ditches. The governor recognized one of the men as a former suitor of his wife.
“Dear, isn’t that John, the man you used to date?”
The wife looked and nodded that yes it was.
“Well, just think,” said the governor, “if you would have married him, you would be the wife of a ditch digger.”
The wife paused momentarily and smiled before replying, “On the contrary, my dear. If I would have married him, he would have been governor.”
A good wife car build up or tear down, she can help make a man or break him. Which are we doing to our husbands today? Are we encouraging and being a blessing? Or are we helping to make him weary as he carries life’s loads?
1
Happy the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days;
2
A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life.
3
A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD;
4
Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.
5
There are three things at which my heart quakes, a fourth before which I quail: Though false charges in public, trial before all the people, and lying testimony are harder to bear than death,
6
3 A jealous wife is heartache and mourning and a scourging tongue like the other three.
7
A bad wife is a chafing yoke; he who marries her seizes a scorpion.
8
A drunken wife arouses great anger, for she does not hide her shame.
9
By her eyelids and her haughty stare an unchaste wife can be recognized.
10
Keep a strict watch over an unruly wife, lest, finding an opportunity, she make use of it;
11
Follow close if her eyes are bold, and be not surprised if she betrays you:
12
As a thirsty traveler with eager mouth drinks from any water that he finds, So she settles down before every tent peg and opens her quiver for every arrow.
13
A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones;
14
A gift from the LORD is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth.
15
Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste person.
16
Like the sun rising in the LORD’S heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.
(Sirach 26:1-16)