02/02/2022
"An Empowered Wife is her Husband's gain"-
I was moved to discus this issue because of a recent occurrence which left me perturbed. Financial stress is one of the major causes of premature death amongst men. To be a man is really not a days job, a struggling man has no business getting married to a liability, one person must compliment the other. It's even worse that some men intentionally deprive their wives of the ability to work and earn a living. They feel it's a means to an end ( to control their spouse and hush them in the marriage) however, such plans backfire.
An older friend of mine has been bedridden for a year now, when he sought a wife, i advised him to marry his working class girlfriend but he objected to this idea, he prefered a very young lady from the village who didn't know her left from her right. Fast forward to after the marriage, i advised him to start a small business for his wife, he insisted that he wants to bear all the financial responsibilities. He survived an accident and has spent all his savings on surgeries, they now rely on alms from concerned friends because even his family members abandoned him at this stage.
I remembered the advise i gave him earlier, if only he had empowered his wife, if only he set up a business for her, if only he didn't have sinister agenda of controlling his wife's life, that lady would atleast be able to feed their children and assist her husband. God knew that Man can not cope alone, hence He created woman-
Genesis 2:18
18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
The Bible also encourages an industrious woman, read-
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 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 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
An empowered wife is her husband's gain.
B.N.Oneh (Esq).
