The Bible offers wisdom on relationships and submission, particularly within marriage. It speaks about mutual respect and love between spouses. Today, we’ll reflect on how Scripture addresses the concept of obedience and its role in building strong, Christ-centered marriages.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disobedient To Parents
What Does The Bible Say About Disobedient Wives
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
This verse teaches wives to submit to their husbands in the same way they submit to the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of respect and submission in the marital relationship.
However, it is essential to note that this verse is often misinterpreted as condoning oppression or abuse. The Bible also calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially and treat them with honor and respect (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19).
1 Peter 3:1
“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.”
This verse encourages wives to submit to their husbands as a way to display their faith and potentially impact their spouse’s belief. It emphasizes the power of a godly example in influencing others.
However, it is essential to understand that submission does not mean blind obedience or relinquishing personal autonomy. It is a call for mutual respect, love, and support within the marriage relationship.
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.”
This verse instructs younger women to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers, demonstrating qualities such as love, self-control, purity, kindness, and submission to their husbands. The aim is to set a positive example and avoid giving others a reason to criticize the teachings of God.
However, it is important to recognize that this verse does not limit a woman’s worth or significance solely to her roles within the family. It simply highlights the importance of fulfilling these responsibilities in a way that honors God.
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
This verse teaches wives to submit to their husbands in a manner that is appropriate within the framework of their relationship with the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God’s design for marriage.
Submission should be practiced in a manner that is rooted in love, respect, and mutual understanding, with both husband and wife seeking to honor God in their roles within the marriage.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse highlights the negative impact of a quarrelsome or contentious wife on the harmony of the home. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating peace and unity within the marital relationship.
While this verse is specifically addressed to husbands, it also serves as a reminder for wives to avoid engaging in constant conflict or causing strife, and instead, strive for a peaceful and respectful atmosphere in the home.
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.”
This passage emphasizes the commitment of marriage and discourages separation or divorce. It encourages wives to work towards reconciliation with their husbands if their marriage faces difficulties or strains.
However, it is important to note that this verse does not condone staying in abusive or dangerous relationships. God’s desire for marriage is for it to be a safe and loving union, where both spouses are treated with respect and dignity.
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 underscores the value of a virtuous and honorable wife. It highlights the positive influence a wife of noble character can have on her husband and his reputation.
It serves as a reminder for wives to strive for integrity, wisdom, and godliness, understanding the impact their actions and character can have on their husband and the overall health of their marriage.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse emphasizes the role of a wise and prudent wife in building and nurturing her home. It highlights the significance of a woman’s influence and contributions to the overall well-being of her family.
It encourages wives to prioritize their role as homemakers, fostering an environment of love, peace, and stability, while avoiding actions or behaviors that may harm or undermine their household.
1 Timothy 2:11-12
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”
This verse addresses the role of women in the context of teaching and authority within the church. It encourages women to learn in a spirit of humility and submission.
While this verse has been a subject of interpretation and debate, it is important to consider the broader biblical teaching that affirms women’s value, involvement, and contributions in various aspects of ministry.
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 addresses husbands, reminding them of their responsibility to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. It emphasizes the equality and value of women as joint heirs with their husbands in God’s blessings.
Husbands are called to recognize the differences in strength and vulnerability, and to ensure their behavior towards their wives reflects love, compassion, and mutual support.
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
This verse refers to the order and authority within the divine hierarchy. It acknowledges the God-given role of the husband as the head of the family, reflecting the authority structure established by God.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that this verse does not imply superiority or inferiority. Rather, it highlights the importance of mutual submission and the husband’s responsibility to lead with love, humility, and sacrificial service, following the example of Christ.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse praises the value and rarity of a wife of noble character. It emphasizes that such a woman is a treasure, worth more than any material possessions.
It serves as an encouragement for wives to cultivate godly character, integrity, and wisdom, recognizing the profound impact they can have on their families, communities, and relationships.
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.’’”
This beautiful passage showcases Ruth’s loyalty, commitment, and support to her mother-in-law, Naomi. It portrays the essence of the marital bond and the sacrificial love that should be present between spouses.
It serves as a reminder for wives to stay faithful and dedicated to their husbands, choosing to walk alongside them through the various seasons of life, displaying unwavering loyalty and love.
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 passage highlights the mutual responsibility of husbands and wives toward each other’s sexual needs and desires. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and intimacy within the marriage relationship.
It encourages wives to prioritize the physical and emotional intimacy between themselves and their husbands, cultivating a loving and satisfying marital bond.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
This verse speaks to the potential spiritual influence a believing spouse can have on their unbelieving partner. It recognizes the sanctifying effect a believing wife can have on her husband and vice versa.
It serves as a reminder for wives to live out their faith authentically, demonstrating the transforming power of God’s love through their words, actions, and character.
1 Timothy 2:15
“But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.”
This verse has been subject to various interpretations. Some suggest that it speaks to the spiritual significance of motherhood, recognizing the godly influence that can be exerted through the nurturing and upbringing of children.
However, it is important to note that this verse does not diminish the essentiality of faith, love, and holiness as the foundation of salvation, but rather highlights the virtue of women embracing their maternal role within the context of God’s design.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the importance and value of a wise and discerning wife. It implies that such a woman is a divine blessing, one who brings wisdom, guidance, and stability to her household.
Wives are encouraged to seek wisdom from the Lord, cultivating godly characteristics and contributing positively to the well-being and flourishing of their families.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse highlights that beauty and charm have limited significance when compared to a woman’s reverence for the Lord. It underscores the value of a woman’s character and spiritual qualities over external appearances.
It serves as a reminder for wives to prioritize their spiritual growth, seeking to honor and please the Lord in all areas of life, allowing His praise to be their ultimate desire.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges the blessing and favor that comes when a man finds a good wife. It highlights the positive impact a wife can have on her husband’s life and the divine intervention involved in finding such a companion.
It serves as a reminder for wives to strive to be women of virtue, bringing joy, support, and blessings to their husbands and their marriage.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse extols the virtue of a wise wife, emphasizing her ability to speak with discernment and offer valuable instruction and advice.
It encourages wives to grow in wisdom and understanding, seeking to communicate with grace, truth, and love, thereby fostering a nurturing and edifying atmosphere within their marriages.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of inner beauty over external appearances. It encourages wives to prioritize cultivating a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is highly valued by God.
It serves as a reminder for wives to focus on character development, nurturing the qualities that reflect Christ-likeness and contribute to the well-being of their marriage.
Proverbs 31:11
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This verse speaks to the trust, reliability, and capability of a virtuous wife. It implies that such a woman is a source of security and blessing to her husband, who can fully depend on her.
It encourages wives to be women of integrity and excellence, faithfully fulfilling their spouse’s needs and contributing to the overall flourishing of their marriage.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges the blessing and favor that comes when a man finds a good wife. It highlights the unique and invaluable role a wife plays in a husband’s life and the divine joy associated with such a discovery.
It serves as a reminder for wives to aspire to excellence, bringing joy, support, and blessings to their husbands and their marital union.
Proverbs 19:13
“A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”
This verse draws attention to the detrimental impact of a contentious and argumentative wife on the harmony of the home. It likens her behavior to the annoyance of a persistently leaking roof.
It serves as a warning for wives to cultivate a spirit of peace, seeking to build an atmosphere of love, respect, and unity within their marriage.
Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
This verse praises the virtues and contributions of a godly wife and mother. It highlights the admiration and appreciation she receives from her children and husband.
It reminds wives of the significant impact they can have through their sacrificial love, nurturing spirit, and commitment to their family’s well-being.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse speaks directly to husbands, instructing them to love their wives and treat them with gentleness and kindness, avoiding harshness or cruelty.
It serves as a reminder for husbands to cherish and honor their wives, seeking to cultivate a relationship based on sacrificial love, understanding, and mutual respect.