Once, the proud king of Kosala, King Pasenadi, came to visit Buddha at his residence. After paying respects to Buddha, he sat down beside him and listened to his teachings.

While King Pasenadi was listening to Buddha's teachings, one of his attendants came over and whispered in his ear: "Your Majesty! Congratulations on the birth of a beautiful princess by Queen Mallika."

Upon hearing this news, King Pasenadi immediately became gloomy and distressed. Seeing this reaction from the king, Buddha said to him: "Great King, there are some women in this world who are better than men. They surpass many men with their wisdom; they observe precepts diligently; they frequently do good deeds and avoid evil ones; they serve their fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law respectfully; they respect and obey both parents equally well. They remain devotedly faithful to their husbands with single-minded loyalty. The children born from them become heroes who rule over various territories as lords or kings. These wise and compassionate heroes or lords or kings can manage people just like virtuous wives take care of their families."

Then Buddha recited a verse:

"Be it man or woman,

The wiser is always superior;

With observance full,

Respectful towards kin,

A wife devoted,

Her offspring becomes noble rulers.

Like a virtuous wife

Who manages her household well." 

Pali original scripture

SN.3.16/(6). Mallikāsuttaṃ

　　 127. Sāvatthinidānaṃ Atha kho rājā pasenadi kosalo yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdi. Atha kho aññataro puriso yena rājā pasenadi kosalo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā rañño pasenadissa kosalassa upakaṇṇake ārocesi– “mallikā, deva, devī dhītaraṃ vijātā”ti. Evaṃ vutte, rājā pasenadi kosalo anattamano ahosi.

　　 Atha kho bhagavā rājānaṃ pasenadiṃ kosalaṃ anattamanataṃ viditvā tāyaṃ velāyaṃ imā gāthāyo abhāsi–

　　 “Itthīpi hi ekacciyā, seyyā posa janādhipa;

　　 Medhāvinī sīlavatī, sassudevā patibbatā.

　　 “Tassā yo jāyati poso, sūro hoti disampati.

　　 Tādisā subhagiyā putto, rajjampi anusāsatī”ti.