what does Benjamin Franklin mean whe he said " good wives usually make good husbands?

Question

 i thought that it mean that if a wife is good and can take good care of her husband then she will have a good husband.

 

 

what is he really trying to said

 

 

Answer 1

In this quotation Franklin is summarizing his beliefs about marriage, which several scholars have argued he bases on his own close reading of several Biblical Proverbs.

 

For example, we can see the sentiments of "Good wives usually make good husbands," in Proverbs 31:10-31, where the Bible states that a virtuous woman is more valuable than rubies because she will be trustworthy, active, modest and possess self-discipline, generosity, a charitable heart. 

 

In Proverbs 18:22, the Old Testament also states that finding such a wife is a blessing from the Lord, and in Proverbs 12:4 it states that a good wife is a crown for her husband, meaning that she is something he can be proud to be joined with as a King can feel deep pleasure in his reign. 

 

Conversely, the Proverbs of the Bible state that a disgraceful woman is like cancer in her husband's bones, always eating away at his mental, emotional, physical,  financial, and spiritual resources. This negation also supports the statement Franklin seems to be making, which is that a good wife can be defined by how she contributes to her husband's success (remember this was an era when women's roles were much different than they are today). 

 

This close examination of the scriptures in comparison with the quotation can be coupled with Franklin's own autobiography, which shows although he did not conform to the traditional Christian faith, he was raised as a Puritan, lived as a Deist and embraced a firm and unmovable faith in God and His works, to prove this point. Franklin had a keep skepticism about life and is known as the "questioning Christian" today, but many of his secular ideas had their foundation in the scriptures. 

Answer 2

In Franklin's time, the wife was not an equal partner in many families.  John and Abigail Adams would have been the exception.  Instead, the wife's status appeared to be more along the lines of property or other assets of her husband.  If she presents herself well, based on the social standards of the time, it is a positive reflection of her husband (the social head of the household).  As an example, if the wife provides guidance and caring toward her children and neighbors, it would be a reflection of her husband's goodness as a whole.  Her demeanor and talents assisted in her husband's reputation in society.  Therefore, a good wife, helped her husband's reputation, thus made a good husband.

In today's society, individual reputation remains a stronger reflection than that of spouse or male head of household, but there remains a tie between perceived reputation based on relatives remains a part of social reputation for individuals.

Answer 3

I don't claim to know for sure what Franklin meant, but I think if you think logically about it, your first statement would be closer to the truth.  If a wife is bad, either a bad person, or treats her husband badly, or even treats herself badly, I think that is bad for the marriage and bad for the husband, and could bring out the worst in the husband.  I think if she is good and treats him well, and cares for herself as well, that can bring out the best in him.