An Excellent Wife

Proveerbs 12:4 (NASB)
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

What does it mean to be the crown of your husband?

A crown would be worn at the top of the man.  It would be the thing closest to his mind.  It is a place of affection - notice how few people we allow to touch our head.  It would be in a place of high visibility.  He would be admired and respected because of the beauty of his crown.

According to Dr. Willard Harley - in his book, His Needs, Her Needs - one of a man's top needs is "an attractive spouse". 

So many proverbs are put in the form of contrasts.  This verse is no exception.  The second half takes the opposite perspective. 

If a woman becomes bitter and hurt, she may turn against her husband and speak poorly of him.  Instead of building him up, she may tear him down.  This betrayal is like cancer in a man's bones;  it will eat away at him and undermine his confidence!

"Behind every good man is a good woman."  There's a lot of truth to that old saying.  If you want an expanded picture of the excellent wife, read Proverbs 31:10-31.