The Fruit of Her Hands

Jan 6, 2010 by desiringvirtue

I have quickly made my way through the first book on my list for 2010, The Fruit of Her Hands, and I can’t tell you how much I have been blessed by it. It truly is the greatest book I have ever read on honoring and respecting your husband. Nancy’s writing style is not typical and makes you feel as though you are sitting across the table from her as she tells you simply how things need to be. I love this about the book and though it is not the most systematic approach to the topic of wifehood, the content is invaluable and will have a lasting impact on my relationship with my husband from here on out. Here are a few excerpts:

On Honoring Your Husband:

“Respect is a demeanor that should characterize wives in all their conduct toward their husbands and in all their communication to or about their husbands-this means courtesy in the home, where the husband is treated with honor.” (underlining me)

On Respecting With Your Speech

“When wife speaks to husband, she should not speak as though she were talking to one of the kids. Her tone should be courteous and kind, not critical, sharp, or flippant. Likewise, when her friends hear her speak of her husband, they should note that on her lips is the law of kindness, not railing and complaining.”  (underlining me)

On Growing in Your Knowledge of God

“Because biblical learning is required of us, we ought not to be afraid of it. We must overcome our ignorance! Along with Bible reading, we must avoid bad teaching, whether it is on TV, in Christian books, or from the pulpit. We must seek out good teaching. We ought to read good, solid books on Christian doctrine. It is good for us! We must cultivate a taste for books that will build us up in the faith-not take us to fantasy land.” (underlining me)

On Gossips and Being a Busybody

“Let’s back up and examine how a woman becomes a busybody. First she must learn idleness, as our text says. But how does a woman learn idleness? The image seems contradictory! I suggest that it is learned by studiously avoiding the duties God has laid out for her. The budding busybody must shirk her domestic duties for the more pleasant task of ‘visiting.’” (underlining me)

On Seeking the Wisdom of Older Women

“Young women need to be taught, but not necessarily by other young women. Age brings wisdom and maturity which can only be gained through experience. Young women can be very strong in their opinions about what makes a good homemaker, but they can lack the wisdom and understanding needed to teach with balance.” (underlining me)

As you can see, there is much encouragement to find in this little gem and as you might be able to tell by how quickly I finished it, it is a very short read (just 109 pages). Now I am anxious to get started on her book focused on motherhood called, Praise Her in the Gates, but I think I will make myself wait and use it as incentive to finish a few more books. Visit Nancy’s blog by clicking here.

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