Nancy Wilson > Quotes

“The more you read, the more you will find your thoughts and conversation reflecting your reading, and the more you will want to read.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“When women devote themselves to their husbands, children, and building their house, the whole church is strengthened. This is actually their 'ministry' to the church: being obedient wives who are raising godly children. Obviously, when a church is full of healthy families, the church will be healthy and stable.”
― Nancy Wilson, Praise Her in the Gates: The Calling of Christian Motherhood

“Christian wives tend to leave the 'fat books' and theology to their husbands. While this may look 'submissive' to some, it is actually disobedience. It is not enough that we know Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, and 1 Corinthians 1 and 14. We have to know more than how to be a good wife. After all, our calling is to be good Christians; and if we are good Christians, we will be good wives and mothers. We mustn't be afraid to deal with topics other than those which directly deal with being a wife and mother.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“We have no need to learn to think much of ourselves, to care for ourselves, to consider our own needs, wants, and desires. We already do that far too much. The problem is getting us to think of others, to have a lowliness of mind that springs from humility and love.”
― Nancy Wilson, Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women

“In the average home there is much work to be done, and God does not approve of laziness. But beware thinking that your schedule (whether it is a homeschooling schedule or feeding-the-baby schedule) is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Life in our homes should be characterized by joy and thanksgiving so that children are taught and nourished in a way that takes their souls into account.”
― Nancy Wilson, Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women

“What is a disciple? It is not a mindless follower. A disciple is a student.

When Paul prohibits women teaching men, he (in the same breath) requires Christian women to be students of the Word "Let a woman learn..." (1 Tim 2:11).

Because biblical learning is required of us, we ought not to be afraid of it. We must overcome our ignorance! 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 s up in the faith- not take us to fantasy land. Just read a page or two at a time if need be, and never at the expense of your Bible reading.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“The more we hear ourselves grumble and complain, the more we take it to heart and believe our own words.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“John Bunyan in 'Christian Behavior', said, 'The whole Bible was given for this very end, that you should both believe this doctrine and live in the comfort and sweetness of it.' How can we live in the sweetness and comfort of doctrines if we don't know what they are? We must learn them first, and then we can live in the joy of them. If we are only exposed to a dab of doctrine here and there, this is impossible.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“We often think contentment is something that happens to us, rather than something that we take pains to learn.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Contentment is a deep satisfaction with the will of God.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“If a woman is flourishing in her home and glorifying God while rejoicing in her domestic duties, and doing them well, but still finding extra hours in her day, she is in a position to look for more to do. She has something to export. This might be volunteer work for the community or church, it may be part-time employment, or it might be learning new skills at home. The possibilities are endless when we really think about it. A new wife may be able to ease gradually into assuming more responsibilities outside the home as she becomes more and more proficient at the job God has given her, but it is unwise to do this too quickly. Sometimes a woman can kid herself into thinking she has extra time, when in fact she is actually just barely getting by with the minimum in her basic domestic duties. For example, if she simply rotates three dinners over and over because that’s all she knows how to make, her problem is not that she has too much time on her hands. She needs help and input and encouragement, not outside activities to give her more to do. She has to determine to become skilled at the tasks God has assigned for her.”
― Nancy Wilson, Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women

“I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water. Lifting up her hands, she said as a blessing, ‘What! All this, and Christ too?’” (Morning & Evening)”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Because every family is a distinct cultural unit, it is good that our methods differ. God did not intend for us to walk in lockstep with one another. We ought to rejoice in a common commitment to biblical principles and in the variety of methods God’s people employ.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“Contentment maintains control over the spirit and does not allow ungoverned passions and unrestrained emotions to bring discomposure right at the moment when the greatest composure is called for. Contentment calms the heart and leads the heart to act and speak wisely, even when under great provocation.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment

“bless us and deliver us. He will not forsake us. As my husband is fond of saying, “God loves cliff-hangers.” He loves to deliver us at the last moment to see if we will trust Him and not flinch.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“It does not matter if it is tithing spices or praying on street corners or home educating or home birthing—if you are feeling good about your standing before God because of anything you are doing, you are not looking to Christ or trusting in Him.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15). We see again this theme of seriously pursuing knowledge and wisdom. Prudence is a heart attitude, not an IQ level. It is not lazy, but is studying God’s Word for more knowledge. I hope you have noticed how often these virtues are connected with knowledge and learning. A wise woman is acquiring knowledge, seeking knowledge, and increasing in learning. She is not intellectually lazy. “When”
― Nancy Wilson, Virtuous: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Contentment disarms a situation that could become stressful. Contentment protects the unity and fellowship we have in Christ.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“But left to themselves, thoughts often go dumpster diving, digging through fleshly things, carnal things, earthly things, untrue, ignoble, unjust, impure, unlovely, and unkind things.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“When those who grieve like Christians receive clumsy attempts at comfort from well-meaning friends, they receive it with kindness and grace. But an ungodly, discontented grief shuts people out, has no grace to extend, and can quickly grow into discontent, bitterness, and self-pity. It refuses comfort.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (Ps. 144:15).”
― Nancy Wilson, Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women

“The focus of contentment is Christ. The focus of discontent is the trouble.”
― Nancy Wilson, Virtuous: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Complaining and grumbling and murmuring are discontent’s ugly sisters, and God hates them all.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“What if I wrote about the spiritual value of scrubbing your floors twice a day and all the health benefits for your family associated with the practice? And suppose it was all backed up with verses in Leviticus, suggesting that this was God’s command for women today? What if I then went on to point out that such hard work, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice would reap for you great satisfaction here and a reward in heaven and followed it up with testimonies from women whose families were changed as a result of the practice? I hope you would think I was out to lunch. But unfortunately, some women would probably either begin to implement my suggestions, or begin to feel guilty every time they looked at the kitchen floor.”
― Nancy Wilson, The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman

“When we refuse to obey God, when we are driven by our own desires, it is no surprise that rest and contentment elude us. When we follow Christ in obedience and humility, we find rest for our souls.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“But “stressed out” is not a neutral behavior; it is a sinful manifestation of an unquiet heart.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Finally, the Church is fruitful. While evangelism brings more worshipers into the Church, childbearing brings more disciples into the home.”
― Nancy Wilson, Praise Her in the Gates: The Calling of Christian Motherhood

“we had to coin the term “stressed out” to describe this common condition of a disordered heart.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“Contentment is comforting. Discontent is uneasy. Contentment is peaceful. Discontent is disturbed. Contentment looks out for others. Discontent looks only to gratify itself. Contentment is grateful. Discontent refuses to say thanks. Contentment counts its blessings. Discontent counts its grievances. Contentment is cheerful. Discontent pouts. Contentment takes the hit. Discontent points the finger. Contentment is generous. Discontent won’t share. Contentment is settled. Discontent is restless.”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age

“No heart of a child of God will ever be satisfied with an object or person short of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is room for wife and children, there is room for friend and acquaintance, and all the more room in one’s heart because Christ is there. But neither wife nor children, nor friends nor kinsfolk can ever fill the believer’s heart. He must have Christ Jesus. There is no rest for him elsewhere.” (Morning & Evening)”
― Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age