What are preacher’s wives made of? Oh, the ordinary things. Ears, eyes, tongue, heart, hands, shoulders, joints, feet, head and knees. She certainly has all these things, but looking closely we may observe some finer details.

A preacher’s wife has listening ears. Many people are dealing with doubts, hurts, disappointments, broken relationships, and frustrations. They may need a listening ear. People have goals, accomplishments, and joyful moments they want to share.

She listens to these important things, good and bad, uses discretion in the hearing, and is trustworthy to keep confidences,“… let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1:19).

A preacher’s wife has selective eyes – eyes that choose to see good things. She chooses to see good in her family, in fellow members, in deacons, and in the eldership. Instead of looking backward with criticism, she looks forward to see the potential for good. And her selective eyes choose to read God’s book above any other book. It is her lamp and light (Psalm 119:105).

A preacher’s wife has a kind tongue, like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:26. Because she’s so busy serving Jesus, she has no idle time for criticism, gossip or slander. She never says unkind things about her husband, and does not agree with those who do. Instead, with words of love and admiration, she lifts him up before her family and the family of God. She speaks well of others even when they are not speaking well of her or her husband. Her words promote peace and unity instead of strife and division. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

A preacher’s wife has a big heart, full of compassion and generosity. She cares for others, not out of duty or compulsion, but with sincere concern for other people. She is generous to all, without partiality or hypocrisy. And she’s aware of the right time to say, “No,” in order to have balance in her life (Romans 12:9-10).

A preacher’s wife has helping hands. She is willing to serve others first, not looking for others to serve her. She is willing to get in the trenches and get her hands dirty if necessary (John 13:14). Without partiality, she serves rich and poor, friend or foe. She’s also willing to use her hands to lift others up when they have fallen.

A preacher’s wife has strong shoulders. Beginning with her husband’s heavy load, she bears others’ burdens. He is her top priority. She is his “help meet,” his suitable helper. With strong shoulders she gives strength and support to many (Galatians 6:2).

A preacher’s wife has flexible joints. A schedule may suddenly change with fellowship meals or VBS. Her husband may be called in the middle of their vacation to come home for a member’s sudden illness or death. She may, at an unsuspecting time, in an unlikely place, be asked to fill a vacant role or fill a need. In any case, she doesn’t get bent out of shape. She’s flexible, because if you aren’t flexible, you’ll break (Romans 16; 1-2).

A preacher’s wife has beautiful feet. She may not have pedicured toenails, but by her husband’s side, she takes the good news of Jesus to the world, which, even with rough spots and calluses makes her feet beautiful. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15).

A preacher’s wife has a bowed head and worn knees because she often speaks to the Lord. She makes petitions and supplications for herself and others. She prays for her husband, her family, church members, church leaders, and the church worldwide. She offers thanksgiving and praise to the Father. She prays about all things great and small. Praying is as important to her as breathing (1 Timothy 2:1).

What are preacher’s wives made of? Listening ears, selective eyes, a kind tongue, a heart of compassion and generosity, helping hands, strong shoulders, flexible joints, beautiful feet, a bowed head and worn knees. When you think about it, a preacher’s wife is not ordinary at all. She is a very remarkable lady – not perfect – but certainly made of very precious things…to the glory of Christ our Lord!

–Teresa Hampton