Be a Crown

(Proverbs 12:4 KJV)  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

In Genesis the wife is created to be a helper, here she can be elevated to a “crown” (5850).  This is a good example of searching all of scripture before you make a theological point.  Helper and crown give two different pictures.  Neither one is complete.  Both are in the Word.

I have heard a lot of opinions in what it meant in Genesis to be a helper.  I have not studied it recently but I suspect that a lot of what you read in culturally conditioned and politically correct.  I have never heard it linked to this verse.  With this we begin to get a better balance.

The word for “crown” (5850) is also translated “wreath.”  I don’t know if the Roman and Greek concept was consistent with the Hebrew understanding but for a Roman the wreath was a simple arrangement of greenery that signified a tremendous honor.  It was only given to people who had demonstrated extreme excellence.

A godly wife is an award from God.  I think it is safe to say the same about a godly husband.

So?  If you are married be thankful for the gift God has given you.  Strive to live like you are a gift yourself.  If you are not married, don’t settle for second best.