The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman [Paperback]

Nancy Wilson is a pastor's wife and homemaker in Moscow, Idaho. She also teaches literature at Logos School - the premier classical Christian private school in America.

This is a collection of her columns for women in Credenda/Agenda - a Reformed, classical Christian magazine. She touches on the themes of respect, contentment, homemaking, and lovemaking in a very straight-forward manner. She is a favorite of Reformed women and conservative Christian home schoolers.

The overall message is that of respecting one's husband as one ought, instead of focusing on his problems and shortcomings. She comes from a very conservative Christian perspective, taking the Bible as the literal Word of God and Rule of Life. If these things offend you, don't bother with this book. If these are things you agree with, this book will challenge you in areas of your marriage you never even thought about.

I loved this book, although I must admit it convicted me that I need to concentrate more on my own behavior, rather than my husband's.

This was one of the best books I've ever read!!! Why?

It's resonably priced, short, easy to read, she's honest, practical, doesn't assume people are further than they are, basic, gets straight to the point(sin), and yes she made me cry (and I'm a rock)- I was totally convicted.

As a young christian wife I found this book to be very helpful. I have recommended this book to everyone I know: Single, engaged , married, widowed, raising daughters, discipling women, etc. I have also now read other books by both she and her husband as they do an excellent job on the topic of family life. (Douglas Wilson does a good job of "getting on" husbands in couple of different books!!!)

Other reviewers "felt we should already know" some of the things she writes about, and I say that may be true, but we sure don't practice them; and it is good to have a reminder every once in a while ( and older women are commanded to teach these very things in Titus 2:3-5, and not to just "give inspiration"). (There is nothing wrong with insiration.)

Another reviewer seemed to find her sexual language too graphic, but I've read some fairly graphic scriptures. I did not feel as though she demeaned me in any way or turned me in to a boy toy, but I guess her language is just too plain for some.

I did not find any of what she said to be unbiblical(although not inspired or infallible), nor did I find her to strech any scriptures. She is honest and speaks from the heart of her personal experience which is okay for Christians to do.

I can bear with some speaking Truthful(Biblical) experience using only a little scripture rather than someone using alot of scripture and stretching it to fit their own contextual needs. The Lord does indeed give us life experience and testimonies that they may be shared to edify other believers.

She was not manipulative, nor did she use cheap means to try and make one to feel guilty, she simply spoke the Truth in love and boy was I convicted. She also gave a practical tip for repenting before your husband that really works and allows you to keep alittle pride. :)

I find it so hard to believe that someone could actually not like this book. I've read some good books (The Excellent Wife), and some aweful books (Me?Obey him?), but this is my favorite!

This book is worth a try.

This book was first referred to me through a women's small group that I attended but it was hard to find. It wasn't until pre-marital counseling that I was actually handed the book by my pastor and asked to read it. It provides a clear biblical view of the wife's role in marriage minus the distortion that today's world so often presents us with. It is an encouragement to all (though not without conviction!) & I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is the least bit interested, whether recently engaged or married for many years. There is also a companion book of sorts available for men written by her husband, Douglas Wilson, entitled "Reforming Marriage".