The Bible addresses marriage and the heartbreak of separation with compassion and truth. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about this painful issue and God’s heart for restoration.
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What Does The Bible Say About A Wife Abandoning Her Husband
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
These verses emphasize the importance of the marital covenant and the commitment to remain faithful to one’s spouse. It highlights that a wife should not separate from her husband, but if she does, she must choose either to remain unmarried or seek reconciliation with her husband.
Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.
This verse emphasizes the unity and oneness of a husband and wife in the marital bond. It declares that once joined together by God, no one should seek to separate or divide what God has joined as one.
Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
These verses highlight the biblical teaching regarding the role of wives within the marriage relationship. It emphasizes the call for wives to submit to their husbands just as they do to the Lord. This submission is not about subjugation but rather about mutual respect and order within the marriage.
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.
These verses reiterate the importance of submission in marriage. It suggests that a wife’s respectful and godly behavior can have a positive influence on her husband, even if he is not a believer, leading him to faith through her example.
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 describes the qualities of an excellent wife, highlighting her value and trustworthiness. It portrays a wife who brings goodness and blessings to her husband, demonstrating her commitment to their marriage relationship.
Malachi 2:16
The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.
This verse underscores God’s displeasure with husbands who hate and divorce their wives. It affirms that such actions go against God’s intention of protecting and cherishing one’s spouse. It serves as a warning against unfaithfulness and encourages husbands to guard the commitment they made in marriage.
Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
These verses provide instructions for both wives and husbands in their marriage relationship. Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands in a manner consistent with their commitment to Christ. Husbands are instructed to love their wives and treat them with gentleness, avoiding harshness in their interactions.
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 praiseworthy wife versus a disgraced and shameful wife. It metaphorically likens a noble wife to a crown that brings honor to her husband, while a dishonorable wife is likened to decay that causes harm and destruction.
Proverbs 31:26
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
This verse describes a virtuous wife as someone who possesses wisdom and speaks with a faithful and instructive tongue. It highlights the positive and edifying influence a wife can have through her wise words and teachings.
Titus 2:4-5
Then they 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.
These verses provide guidance for younger women, encouraging them to fulfill their roles within the family. It emphasizes the importance of loving their husbands and children, being self-controlled, pure, kind, and submissive to their husbands, in order to reflect well on the teachings of God.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
This verse highlights the value of having a wise and prudent wife, attributing her worth as a blessing from the Lord. It suggests that a good wife is a precious gift from God, far more valuable than material possessions.
1 Timothy 5:14
So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
In this verse, younger widows are advised to consider remarriage and focus on their responsibilities within the home. The guidance is intended to prevent opportunities for criticism and slander from those who might oppose the Christian faith.
1 Timothy 2:15
But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.
This verse can be interpreted in various ways, but it suggests that women, in their godly roles as wives and mothers, can find salvation. It underscores the importance of continuing in faith, love, and holiness, fulfilling these responsibilities with proper conduct.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.
This verse draws a contrast between a wise woman and a foolish one. It emphasizes the constructive influence a wise woman has on her household, while a foolish woman can contribute to its destruction through her actions and choices.
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 treat their wives with understanding, respect, and honor. It reminds them to acknowledge their wives’ equal value as heirs of God’s grace and warns that mistreatment of wives can hinder their own relationship with God.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
This verse expresses the positive blessing and favor that comes from finding a good wife. It encourages men to recognize the value of a godly and virtuous wife as a precious gift from the Lord.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
This verse emphasizes the importance of inner qualities and character over external attractiveness. It highlights that the fear of the Lord and a godly character are praiseworthy and ultimately more valuable than physical charm and temporary beauty.
Genesis 2:18
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
This verse reflects God’s original plan for marriage, the creation of a suitable helper for man. It underscores the complementary nature of husband and wife, emphasizing their mutual need for one another in the marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
This verse extols the virtues of a woman of noble character, emphasizing her great worth and value. It suggests that a wife with such character is an exceptional find, more valuable than precious gems.
Proverbs 31:28-29
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
These verses depict the honor and praise attributed to a virtuous wife and mother. It highlights the admiration her children and husband have for her, recognizing her exceptional qualities and surpassing worth among other noble women.
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.”
These verses exemplify the loyalty and commitment of Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her declaration of unwavering allegiance and devotion reveals the depth of their relationship and serves as an inspiring example of faithfulness in marriage.
Proverbs 31:11
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
This verse highlights the trust and confidence a husband has in his virtuous wife. It suggests that her character and actions provide him with a sense of security and fulfillment, as she is a source of great value and blessings to their marriage.
Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.
This verse expresses the deep love and ownership between a husband and wife. It beautifully portrays the intimate and exclusive connection between them, likening it to a cherished possession grazing among lilies, symbolizing purity and beauty.
Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
This verse highlights the positive influence and honor a virtuous wife brings to her husband. It indicates that her husband is esteemed in the community and holds a position of respect and prominence among the elders, in part due to his wife’s commendable character.
1 Peter 3:1
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.
This verse encourages wives to display godly behavior and submission to their husbands as a means to influence their spouse’s faith, even if the husband initially rejects the Gospel. It highlights the power of a godly example in transforming hearts and facilitating spiritual growth.