Proverbs 31 - Essential Scripture for Wives of Unbelievers

Yesterdays topic got me thinking about just what a wife is to do when her husband is an unbeliever. The answer I got was; the same as if she were married to a believer.

Marriage would be much easier for a Christian woman married to a Godly man. But the facts are, we are called as wives to fulfill a role and that role doesn't really change depending on the man. The difficulty we have in the role is though. God gives you what you need to grow; perhaps sometimes that comes in the form of an unbelieving spouse.

Mother Teresa said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." God equips us for life's many trials and adversity. Some of us are just dealing with greater trials than others.

Wives who are married to unbelievers are to heed this scripture: "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your 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." 1 Peter 3:1

Without words; this means you aren't to cajole and persuade and be sharp-tongued about it. Nagging is not the way to go here. You have to show them in your behavior. Proverbs 31 is where I looked to see how to behave. Many women have told me they strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman; this should be applied even more diligently by a woman who is married to an unbeliever.

Proverbs 31 says a wife of noble character is worth more than rubies. "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Proverbs 31: 11-12

Right there that tells you she is to do whatever he needs, he is to lack for nothing of value. She is to bring him no harm, only good; and she is to do it all the days of her life. This tells me that there is no time limit on how long you must submit to an unbelieving husband.

"She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:15-31

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,

A Proverbs 31 woman is to be a lot of things and these are the behaviors that you win your husband over with. You are to get up early and provide food for your family. You are to work vigorously and not be idle, but strong. You are to help the poor and needy. She is to be clothed with strength and dignity. Be able to laugh. Speak wisdom. Watch over your household.

Your children arise and call you blessed and your husband praises you. Think about what you have to do to merit that. Ever had one of your children say you're the best mom in the world? Or you husband ever tell you what an incredible woman you are and how capable? Guess you were on the right track then.

Be strong. Your faith has to carry you through. There will be hard times in winning him over with your behavior. Sometimes you might wonder what the point is, he just isn't getting it. Will he ever get it? Doesn't matter. Continue to be the strong, faithful, obedient woman that God demands.

Resources
Day 40 - A Believing Wife; an Unbelieving Husband

Marriage Missions - Winning Without Words

Bible Gateway - Proverbs 31

Brainy Quote - Mother Teresa Quote