White Knights and Reviling Wives

by David D. Edgington

Though it is unfashionable to speak of wives who act wickedly, the Scriptures have much to say.

The “reviling wife” is the woman who weaponizes words to bitterly control. She refuses even the simplest forms of submission to her husband. She is rebellious, recalcitrant, cruel, unforgiving, and unrepentant. Her husband, to the contrary, is often kind, gentle, humble—and loves not only his children but his wife as well.

To make matters worse, the couple’s pastors and counselors, even from the most conservative theological backgrounds, act as “white knights”—rushing to defend the wife in her obvious sin. Discipled by the default programming of feminism in our day, these men are too afraid to either confront the wife or hold her accountable. The consequences are tragic. Not only is the marriage destroyed, but the children are decimated. The wife turns them against their father, permanently severing relationships in the process. The husband often never hears from his children ever again, enduring a grief worse than death.

In this thoroughly biblical examination, Dr. Edgington surgically addresses this marital epidemic that has plagued not only our society but even the church. In White Knights & Reviling Wives, you won’t find empty platitudes. Instead, you’ll find practical solutions grounded in the Word of God that chart a path from manipulation and bitterness to repentance and restoration.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Voeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in many ways not what I expected when I picked it up, but it was a very beneficial read for me. As a young woman hoping to become a wife and mother in the near future, Dr. Edgington’s caution to women and to men and straight forward, unashamed language was helpful to me in understanding more fully the harm that any woman is capable of doing to her husband. I must be on my guard, even now, to avoid at all costs any reviling tendencies and to cultivate a submissive heart in myself.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly thankful for Pastor Edgington. 4.5 stars as I found his first book on the topic even more helpful. The first book laid more of the groundwork of what the issue is and how to begin counseling such situations. The basics of faithful counseling was great in and of itself. This newer volume is still very well done, and the clarifications on biblical patriarchy and the cowardice of pastors and counselors was a helpful warning.

[Brianna Jade Wilson]

An absolutely necessary read for this age of rampant feminism, where women's sins get blamed on men or ignored altogether.