Most women, I think, would be offended at the idea of being thought of as a man's trophy… and so we should be. But it is, however, one of the highest compliments for a wife to be considered the ornament, or more specifically, the crown of her husband. A woman who is the crown of her husband is a virtuous woman: a woman who does what is right and avoids what is wrong. The husband of such a woman is blessed beyond measure; she is his glory.

A man who has a virtuous wife is blessed to have a position of distinction and honor. Just by virtue of her presence, she identifies to the world that her husband is in a position of headship, leadership, and responsibility. She is a reminder to him of his rightful place. She makes him look good and honors him with the distinction of the extraordinary that in turn requires him to be honored and respected. She sets him apart as nobility: a person of regal descent. She proclaims his greatness just by being near him, by being who she is, and by being in her rightful place. She crowns him.

The wife who is the crown of her husband bears the most weight and honor not when she is won, but when she is gifted to her husband; passed down from The King to the son who gains His favor and His inheritance. Her husband does not determine her worth for she has intrinsic value based on her representation of the King from whom she is given. The wise husband treasures his crown and realizes that the more he makes her shine the more glory he brings to himself. He recognizes that if she does not sparkle as she did when she was first given, it is because of his own neglect, because she is designed to be glorious. Even if her brightness is diminished, the value of her position is not. The wise husband lifts up his crown and places her in her rightful place: the highest and most valuable position, second only to God. As long as he holds his head up, she remains secure. He learns, sometimes by way of error, not to make rash and thoughtless movements, being always mindful of the responsibility of action that her position in his life warrants. He guards and protects his crown with great care. She is his glory.

In the beginning, the husband must become accustomed not only to the glory of his position, but also to the weight of his crown. He may be tempted to take off his crown and take on a less demanding position among the commoners. But, only a foolish person, and one who is ignorant of the greatness of his position, would cast his crown aside or treat it in any way despitefully.

Husbands, understand your wife's place. She is worthy of honor and respect and should be greatly cherished. Wives, know your place. Bring honor and respect to your husband. Crown him.

Aleathea Dupree is the author of Though The Vision Tarry: Waiting For My Promised Mate and the Administrator of the Deep Waters website/forum. Copyright © 2005. All Rights Reserved. For permission to reprint, please contact: administrator@deepwaters.info.

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