What does Proverbs 12:4 mean? (2024)

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ESV An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

NIVA wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

NASBAn excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

CSBA wifeof noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

NLTA worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

KJVA virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

NKJV An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

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Pets and Righteousness (Proverbs 12:10)

Having written about a good man (Proverbs 12:2), Solomon writes now about an excellent wife. Using regal terminology implies that such a woman possesses noble character and ability. Just as a crown identifies a man as royalty to others, a good woman does the same by bringing her husband honor and dignity.

Proverbs 31 describes such a woman in further detail. Among the many things she does, the writer of Proverbs 31 says she does her husband good (Proverbs 31:12). She is far more valuable to her husband than jewels (Proverbs 31:10), and wisdom and kindness flow from her mouth (Proverbs 31:26). Ruth was an excellent woman. Boaz complimented Ruth, whom he eventually married, by saying, "All my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman" (Ruth 3:11).

Unfortunately, not all wives are excellent. Solomon writes here that a wife who lacks discretion (Proverbs 11:22) by inviting a bad reputation, or ridicule, also brings her husband pain. Just as decaying bones would cause severe pain, so a wife of ignoble character causes her husband great angst. Choosing a wife, therefore, is an extremely important matter. While Solomon speaks immediately to his "sons," (Proverbs 1:8), the concept is not limited to wives. Both spouses can be honored, or shamed, by the conduct of their partner.

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