Without a Wife a Man Dwells Without Every Good Thing

Rabbi Tanchum bar Chanilai said: Any man who has no wife dwells without good, as it is written, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18); without joy, as it is written, "And you shall rejoice, you and your household" (Deuteronomy 14:26); without blessing, as it is written, "to cause a blessing to rest upon your house" (Ezekiel 44:30); without Torah, as it is written, "Is my help not within me?" (Job 6:13); without a protecting wall, as it is written, "A woman shall encompass a man" (Jeremiah 31:21); without peace, as it is written, "And you shall know that your tent is at peace" (Job 5:24). Rabbi Elazar said: Any man who has no wife is not a [complete] man, as it is said, "Male and female He created them... and He called their name Adam [man]" (Genesis 5:2). Rabbi Elazar said: What is the meaning of the verse, "I will make him a helper corresponding to him [kenegdo]" (Genesis 2:18)? If he merits, she is a helper [ezer]; if he does not merit, she is against him [kenegdo]. Some say: if he merits, she is corresponding to him; if he does not merit, she strikes him [menagadto]. Rabbi Yose said to Elijah: In what way is a woman a help to a man? He said to him: A man brings home wheat - does he chew wheat raw? He brings home flax - does he wear flax unspun? Is she not therefore the one who brightens his eyes and sets him upon his feet?