The Bible calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church—sacrificially and unconditionally. Today, we’ll see how Scripture sets a high standard for marriage and encourages husbands to honor their wives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Unanswered Prayers
What Does The Bible Say About Husbands Treating Their Wives
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse emphasizes the sacrificial love that husbands should have toward their wives. It calls husbands to imitate the selfless love that Christ showed for the church, putting the needs and well-being of their wives above their own.
Husbands are called to not only love their wives but also be willing to make sacrifices for their sake, just as Christ gave himself up for the church. This verse reminds husbands of their responsibility to nurture and care for their wives in a selfless and Christ-like manner.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse urges husbands to treat their wives with love and not to be harsh towards them. It highlights the importance of gentleness, kindness, and understanding in the husband-wife relationship.
Husbands are encouraged to cultivate an attitude of love and patience, avoiding any form of harshness, aggression, or abusive behavior towards their wives. This verse emphasizes the need for mutual respect and a nurturing atmosphere within the marriage.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse instructs husbands to be considerate and respectful in their relationship with their wives. It acknowledges the differences between husband and wife, but emphasizes equal value and shared inheritance in Christ.
Husbands are admonished to treat their wives with respect and understanding, recognizing that they are both partners in the gift of life. The verse also highlights the spiritual aspect of the husband-wife relationship, indicating that an unhealthy or disrespectful attitude towards one’s wife can hinder one’s prayers.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
This verse emphasizes the mutual responsibility and selflessness in the intimate relationship between husband and wife. It highlights the concept of mutual submission and the idea that the husband and wife belong to each other.
Both husband and wife are called to fulfill their marital duties, recognizing that they are not to dominate or control their spouse but rather to lovingly serve one another. This verse speaks to the importance of mutual respect and the shared responsibility for the well-being and satisfaction of both partners in the marriage.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse reminds husbands of their responsibility to provide for their families, including their wives. It underscores the importance of financial provision and taking care of the well-being of one’s household.
A husband who neglects his duty to provide for his family is considered to have denied the faith and is deemed worse than an unbeliever. This verse emphasizes the role of husbands as providers and caretakers, ensuring the needs of their wives and families are met.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This passage praises the qualities and value of a virtuous wife. It speaks to the trust and confidence a husband should have in his wife, recognizing her as a valuable and praiseworthy asset to his life.
A wife of noble character is described as someone who consistently brings good to her husband, never causing harm. This verse encourages husbands to appreciate and value their wives for their positive contributions and character.
1 Peter 3:1-2
“Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
While not directly addressing husbands, this verse speaks to the behavior of wives and the influence they can have on their husbands. It encourages wives to exhibit purity, reverence, and submission as a means of winning their husbands over to the faith.
Husbands can learn from this verse that their behavior and treatment of their wives can profoundly impact their relationship and spiritual journey. It reminds husbands of the power of love, respect, and a godly lifestyle to positively affect their wives and draw them closer to God.
Titus 2:4-5
“Then [older women] can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of older women instructing and guiding younger women in their roles as wives. It highlights the virtues and responsibilities young wives should cultivate in order to honor God and avoid bringing reproach to His Word.
Husbands can take note of the qualities expected of their wives, such as love, self-control, purity, kindness, and submission. This verse encourages husbands to support their wives in pursuing these virtues and to appreciate their efforts in upholding their role in the marriage.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This verse emphasizes the mutual roles and responsibilities within marriage. It calls husbands to love their wives as they love themselves, and wives to respect their husbands.
Husbands are reminded of their responsibility to nurture and cherish their wives, putting their needs above their own. Likewise, wives are called to honor and respect their husbands. This verse highlights the importance of mutual love and respect in fostering a healthy and harmonious marital relationship.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse describes the foundational union in marriage, where husband and wife become one. It reaffirms the depth of the bond and the exclusivity of the marital relationship.
Husbands are reminded of the permanence and sacredness of the marriage covenant. This verse serves as a reminder for husbands to prioritize their relationship with their wives above any other earthly relationship, including their relationship with their parents.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This well-known passage describes the attributes of love. While not explicitly directed at husbands, it provides a powerful guide for how husbands should love their wives.
Husbands are called to exhibit patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness in their love for their wives. This verse challenges husbands to extend grace and forgiveness, to be trustworthy and protective, and to persevere in their commitment to their wives.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
While not explicitly addressing husbands or wives, this passage portrays an exemplary loyalty and devotion between individuals. Husbands can learn from Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and apply the same level of loyalty and devotion to their marriages.
This verse encourages husbands to remain faithful, supportive, and dedicated to their wives, even in the face of challenges or difficult circumstances. It demonstrates the power of unwavering commitment and sacrificial love in a marital relationship.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
This verse recognizes the value and blessing of a good wife. It reminds husbands that their wives are a gift from God and should be cherished and esteemed.
By viewing their wives as a source of favor from the Lord, husbands are encouraged to appreciate and honor them, recognizing the positive impact their wives have on their lives.
Proverbs 31:11
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This verse speaks of the trust and confidence a husband should have in his wife. It highlights the integrity, competence, and value that a wife brings to her husband’s life.
Husbands are called to trust in their wives’ abilities, decisions, and contributions. This verse reminds husbands to recognize and appreciate the significant role their wives play in their lives and the family as a whole.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse contrasts the impact of a virtuous and noble wife with that of a disgraceful and unpleasant wife. It highlights the positive influence a godly wife can have on her husband’s life.
Husbands are encouraged to treasure and uplift their wives, recognizing the honor and blessings that come from having a wife of noble character. This verse reminds husbands of the importance of a supportive and godly partner in building a strong and fulfilling marriage.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse acknowledges that a wise and prudent wife is a gift from God. It emphasizes the divine sovereignty in bringing together a husband and wife.
Husbands are reminded to recognize and be grateful for their wives, understanding that their marital relationship is not solely based on worldly possessions or human effort, but on the providence of God. This verse encourages husbands to value their wives as God-given blessings.
1 Corinthians 11:11
“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.”
This verse speaks to the interdependence and equality of men and women in the Lord. It emphasizes the mutual reliance and importance of both genders in God’s plan.
Husbands are reminded that they are not to dominate or belittle their wives, but rather to recognize and honor their equal worth and contribution. This verse encourages husbands to cultivate a partnership based on mutual respect and appreciation.
Proverbs 31:28-30
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This passage describes the commendation and praise given to a godly wife and mother. It speaks to the value of a woman who fears the Lord and upholds godly virtues.
Husbands can learn from this verse the importance of affirming and supporting their wives, recognizing and appreciating their efforts, character, and commitment to the Lord. It highlights the qualities that should be esteemed and valued in a wife beyond mere external attractiveness.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages husbands to love their wives deeply, recognizing the power of love to forgive and reconcile. It emphasizes the need for grace and forgiveness within a marital relationship.
Husbands are called to demonstrate unconditional love and grace towards their wives, recognizing that no one is perfect. This verse encourages husbands to prioritize love and forgiveness, fostering a nurturing and forgiving environment within their marriage.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the impact of a wise and prudent wife in the home. It emphasizes the role of a wife in creating a harmonious and flourishing household.
Husbands are encouraged to value and support their wives’ efforts in building a loving and nurturing home. This verse reminds husbands of the immense contribution their wives make to the overall well-being and success of their family.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
While not directed specifically at husbands, this verse provides insight into what wives (and husbands) should prioritize in terms of personal beauty and character.
Husbands should recognize and appreciate the true beauty of their wives, which comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. This verse encourages husbands to value inner qualities and character over external appearances, promoting a deeper and more meaningful connection within their marital relationship.