Topical Bible: Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role and demeanor of a wife are subjects of considerable importance, with specific emphasis placed on the virtues of meekness and a quiet spirit. These attributes are highlighted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter, who provides guidance on the conduct and character of wives within the Christian household.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for wives being adorned with a meek and quiet spirit is found in 1 Peter 3:3-4 : "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage underscores the value placed on inner beauty over external appearances, emphasizing that a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth to God.

Meekness and Quietness Defined

In biblical terms, meekness is often associated with humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God's will. It is not to be confused with weakness; rather, it is strength under control. A meek wife is one who exercises patience and restraint, demonstrating a calm and composed demeanor in her interactions with others, particularly within the family setting.

A quiet spirit, as described in the scriptures, refers to a sense of peace and tranquility that stems from a deep trust in God. It is characterized by a lack of anxiety and a composed nature, even in the face of challenges. This quietness is not about silence or passivity but about maintaining a serene and steady presence that reflects inner confidence and faith.

Role in the Christian Household

The call for wives to embody a meek and quiet spirit is closely linked to the biblical model of marriage, where mutual respect and love are paramount. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This submission is not about inferiority but about a harmonious partnership where the wife supports and respects her husband, contributing to the unity and stability of the family.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the early church, the exhortation for wives to possess a meek and quiet spirit was countercultural. The Greco-Roman world often valued outward beauty and social status, but the Christian teaching redirected focus to the inner virtues that reflect Christ-like character. This teaching remains relevant today, encouraging Christian wives to prioritize spiritual growth and character development over societal pressures for external adornment.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christian wives, embodying a meek and quiet spirit involves cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It means striving to reflect Christ's love and humility in all interactions, fostering a home environment that is peaceful and nurturing. By doing so, wives not only honor their husbands but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.

Conclusion

The biblical call for wives to be adorned with a meek and quiet spirit is a timeless principle that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. It is an invitation to embrace inner beauty and strength, reflecting the character of Christ in the sacred covenant of marriage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:4,5
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

V. ...
... Thus the husband should withdraw and dissuade the wife from ... please my husband," then
is she truly adorned and attired ... holy women, that he may draw wives to a ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

On Dress.
... Thou hast adorned thy wall with the money which might ... be won by the conversation
of the wives; while they ... follow the fashions of the world, should be avoided ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on dress.htm

On Dress
... they hear, nor are willing that others should: And these ... they would look prettier
if they were adorned with such ... you, O ye husbands, do not hinder your wives! ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 88 on dress.htm

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... the fall, was, that her husband should rule over ... that the holy women of old adorned
themselves with a ... "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... how is it not impious that they should fall into ... well-proportioned and beautiful
image of the Word is adorned. ... won by the conversation of the wives; while they ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Christian Behavior
... women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being ... Indeed there are some wives
in great slavery by ... their ungodly husbands; and as such should be pitied ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... to be indulged, as the apostle commanded should be done ... how proud and vain they are,
when adorned to their ... corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... to pass through to arrive at the Methodists, and his meek and quiet ... Surely I should
not forget his helpers ... to be deposited by the side of his two wives whom he ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... of a sheep; and behold the sheep was quiet, and took ... fine, and it is a comely thing
to be adorned with that ... profess well, than to hold out as he should to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... their jests, and their tales, must needs be adorned with lies ... him pretty hard to
some employ; so should he, at ... He was also a man very meek and merciful, one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm