A Good Wife Part 2
A good wife teaches skills needed or useful in the household to children and new wives, and they practice them as they occur, so that after a while the organization of a household becomes transparent, and good stewardship a very practical thing. In the process of being introduced to all different aspects of a household (taking care of children of different ages, home schooling, needle- and woodwork, cooking and baking, gardening, laundry care, cleaning basics and special treatments, health and hygiene aspects, chores planning, financial planning, paperwork organization, first aid skills, pet care, among others), the children and new wives will be encouraged to express liking for particular fields, and will be given responsibility in the chosen field or fields as soon as possible, so that they can experience being a valuable, important, relied on part of the family. Home schooling, which is done by the husband and those of his wives who are inclined to teaching the children, is an important aspect in the upbringing of children (Pro 22:6).
Personal interest will be encouraged, curiosity instilled, and a love for knowledge and learning furthered. The biblical foundation for life is laid by the husband, for the whole family. The teaching of scripture is his domain alone (1 Ti 2:12). Sharing thoughts about biblical texts and talking about topics that are addressed in the bible, or how everyday life today can be understood and designed according to God's word, might very well take place among the wives and children during the daily work in the home, and should be done and encouraged by all the wives, but always with the focus of sharing the matter with the husband at night, in case he is not around during the discussion.
A good wife also studies the bible on her own and longs for understanding, and she commits all the family members and the family's works to the Lord, and strives to be a role model for her children and the younger wives. Most of the qualities of a good wife will be taught by example, and by letting the relevant bible verses explain the observable behavior (1 Cor 11:3-16 and 14:33-35; Gal 5:19-26; Eph 5:22-33; Col 3:18-23; 1 Ti 2:9-15; Titus 2:1-5; Heb 11:8-11 and 13:4; 1 Pe 3:1-8), thus helping the children and younger wives to develop an attitude that is pleasing in God's eyes. In her work in the home, the ministry of the Holy Spirit shines through, in human terms.
Go back to Part 1 here:
