FL 4daaba5d41472
FL 4daaba5d41472
FL 4daaba5d41472
In the Chovos Ha-levavos , Rabbeinu Bachya Ibn Pekuda explains that only Hashem is truly deserving of our
trust as it says “Happy is he who trusts in G-d.” So why then does the pasuk (verse) seem to imply that ideally a
husband should trust completely in his wife, if this goal appears to be unattainable? The answer to this question can
be found in the wording of the verse. The pasuk states that the heart of her husband trusts in her, rather than his
mind. Indeed a person is able to completely trust in another human being emotionally, trusting that the individual
always has intentions for the other’s benefit, even though the person may not always succeed in carrying out his or
her intentions. The husband of an Eishes Chayil trusts that his wife always has his best intentions in mind. Meaning
that the perfect wife is constantly thinking of the good of her husband, she is trustworthy within the limits of her
human capabilities.
As a result of her good intentions her husband will not lack “spoils.” Spoils are the goods that one wins at
war. Each of us is constantly “at war.” Our spiritual selves are fighting an ongoing battle versus our animal selves.
A woman’s power is tremendous. A woman is able to set the tone in her house with just a word or even a facial
expression. A woman can help her husband reach his deepest desires, to become a more Godly person, to win the
“war.” When we praise our husbands for the battles they have already won, we build up their self-images and
strengthen their resolve to go in the right direction. The spoils of his battle are not lost. The husband of an Eshes
Chayil will benefit tremendously by being coupled with such a partner.
(More Precious than Pearls, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller)