Through The Bible in a Year - September 21, 2026

"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10–12) and “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:22)

The Proverbs 31 woman is often referenced on special occasions, but her portrait is striking in its scope. She manages real estate, oversees manufacturing, engages in trade, cares for the poor, and leads her household with wisdom. This is not a picture of a woman whose gifts have been restrained — it is a picture of a woman whose gifts are in full, glorious expression as they are directed toward the flourishing of her family and community.

Proper understanding of the Apostle Paul's call to submission in the home is consistent with this portrait, not in tension with it. The children of a godly wife rise up and call her blessed. Her husband praises her. Why? Not because she does less or suppresses more, but because everything she does is arranged under the priority of blessing others. Her intelligence, her industry, her creativity — all are offered in love for the sake of the good of her husband, family, and community. Just as the church submits to Christ not by doing nothing, but by doing everything in his name and for his glory, so also a wife’s submission is dignified by the goal of bringing good and glory to her spouse. She supports her husband by seeking how best to use her gifts and graces for his blessing. So also the husband is dignified by honoring his calling of sacrificial care for his wife and family.

RESPOND: What gifts has God given you — practically, creatively, intellectually — that could be more deliberately expressed in the service of blessing your spouse and family? What would it look like to offer those gifts more fully, rather than suppressing them or using them primarily for personal gain?

PRAYER: Lord, you have made me capable and gifted. Don't let me bury what you have given me. And don't let me use it only for myself. Show me how to arrange my gifts — every skill, every passion, every strength — in such a way that those closest to me are built up and blessed because I honor your name in the way that I care for them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.