Genesis 3:6

Our examination of a virtuous woman has made it plain that a woman’s value is dependent on her position of submission to the command of God. Her value is further increased by both her physical and spiritual productivity. However, neither of these areas should be viewed as the indication of a woman’s weakness. The woman is the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7), but this weakness comes from a misapplication of her power.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6)

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:14)

Within the context of a marriage, a woman has power to hurt her family by making bad decisions without considering the effects they will have on those within her influence. By not submitting to her husband’s headship, she usurps his God-ordained authority and creates an unhealthy balance of power. She becomes the leader in a relationship where God has commanded her to be in submission, thereby depriving herself and her family of God’s blessing.

A woman may also cause damage when she exercises power over a man through a perversion of her productivity. A virtuous woman is aware of her power over a man and will not misuse this inherent gift of her womanhood to facilitate her selfish agenda, using sex as a weapon.

“But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them… Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.” (1 Samuel 25:14, 17)

The value of a woman is also seen in her exercise of power to help her family. The story of Abigail and Nabal is a great illustration of this fact. Nabal was an ungodly man. As such, swift destruction was soon to be poured out on his entire house. Through her prudent exercise of power, Abigail was able to save the household, including Nabal’s life. Such wisdom not only prevented David from shedding blood to avenge himself (verse 31); but also allowed the Lord to be the One to smite Nabal (verse 38). In a turn of events, Abigail was freed from her marriage by the death of the wicked Nabal, and she was taken in marriage by the King of Israel (verse 42).

A woman further has value according to the exercise of her power to be one with her husband. In her marriage, she constitutes the necessary role as the body, while her husband is the head. The two being one flesh (1 Corinthians 6:16) indicates that they are knit together for the benefit of the union, each serving the needs of the other.

She comforts, complements, and completes her husband. Her submission places this within her power and she uses this power for God’s Glory.