A good-humored wife who appreciates most, if not all, of my humor

In the dance of life, there are many treasures that one might seek—wealth, wisdom, and fame—but the rarest and most invaluable of all are those relationships that nourish the spirit and heart. Andrew Hudgins, in his reflection on the profound importance of a good-humored wife, offers a gem of wisdom when he says, "A good-humored wife who appreciates most, if not all, of my humor - her price is far above rubies, as the book of Proverbs doesn't quite say." In these words, Hudgins highlights a timeless truth, one echoed throughout the ages: the true riches in life are not measured by material possessions, but by the companionship, understanding, and laughter that we share with those we love.

The ancients were keenly aware of the essential role that humor played in human relationships. In the Greek world, the great playwright Sophocles wrote of love and partnership in ways that reflected not only the gravity of life but its occasional absurdity. Consider the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, whose tragic love is filled with moments of both grief and dark humor. Even in sorrow, there is an understanding that laughter and joy are what truly bind the hearts of lovers. Hudgins, much like the great thinkers of antiquity, recognizes that love between a man and a woman is not only a matter of passion and commitment, but also of shared humor—that lightness of spirit that makes all of life’s burdens more bearable.

To have a wife who not only shares but appreciates your humor is, as Hudgins says, a treasure beyond compare. In the ancient Hebrew wisdom of the Proverbs, we read that a wife of noble character is "far above rubies," a rare and precious thing. But what Hudgins adds to this sentiment is the understanding that it is not just a woman’s virtue or wisdom that makes her valuable, but her capacity to appreciate the joys and humor of life. This appreciation of humor becomes a foundational element of the relationship, as it allows for laughter even in the face of difficulty. It is in these moments of shared amusement that the deepest bonds of affection are often forged, much like the strong threads that bind the fabric of ancient love stories, where lovers could laugh and cry together in equal measure.

The role of humor in the context of love is an eternal truth. Consider the ancient story of Hercules and Deianira. Despite Hercules’ monumental strength and heroic deeds, it was his relationship with Deianira, and the moments of lightness and mutual understanding, that made their bond enduring. Hercules, though often depicted as a figure of great power, was also someone who shared moments of vulnerability with his wife. Their love was not just about heroism and tragedy, but about understanding each other’s humor and quirks. Hudgins’ quote speaks to the enduring power of laughter in relationships—when partners can laugh together, they become stronger in the face of the challenges life brings.

Hudgins, in his mention of a good-humored wife, touches upon something deeper than just a light-hearted companion. He speaks to the spiritual connection between two people who can find joy in each other’s company. The ability to laugh at one’s own foibles, and at the absurdities of life, is a deeply human trait. It allows us to connect more meaningfully with others. In the ancient world, this connection was often considered the highest form of union—where two souls could share not just their love, but their humor, thus making them partners in both joy and sorrow.

The lesson Hudgins offers us is clear: in our own lives, the treasure we seek is not merely the material wealth that so often consumes our attention, but the companionship that enriches our spirit. A relationship that is founded on both love and laughter is a rare and precious thing. Just as the Proverbs tell us that a wife of noble character is priceless, so too does Hudgins remind us that humor, shared between two people, elevates the relationship to a higher level—one that endures through the trials of life. Humor, in this sense, becomes not just a distraction, but a means of deep connection, one that strengthens and nurtures love, allowing it to grow and flourish in even the most difficult of times.

As we reflect on this wisdom, let us take a moment to appreciate the partners in our lives—whether friends, family, or spouses—who share in the gift of humor. Let us remember that a good-humored heart is one of the greatest treasures we can seek. In our relationships, let us strive to be both serious and lighthearted, knowing that laughter is not just a diversion, but a means of connection that helps us navigate the complexities of life. In doing so, we will find that the greatest riches are not those that fill our coffers, but those that fill our hearts—the companionship, understanding, and joy that come from sharing life with those who laugh alongside us.