Marriage is a sacred bond, and the Bible has wisdom on respecting this relationship. Today, we will see what Scripture teaches about disrespect in marriage and its effects on the family.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Associate
What Does The Bible Say About Disrespectful Wife
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of a wife’s respectful behavior toward her husband, even in challenging circumstances. It encourages wives to exhibit purity, reverence, and submission, not as a means of domination but as a way to win over their husbands and influence them spiritually through their actions and conduct.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse serves as a reminder that a disrespectful wife can bring destruction to her home. It highlights the significance of a wise woman who uses her words, actions, and attitudes to build up her household, cultivating an atmosphere of love, respect, and harmony.
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 teach that in the context of marriage, wives are called to submit to their husbands, just as the church submits to Christ. However, it is important to note that this does not promote abuse or oppression, but rather a relationship where the husband leads in love, and the wife willingly follows and respects his leadership.
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
Here, wives are instructed to submit to their husbands in a manner that aligns with the Lord’s will. It suggests that respect and submission within the marital relationship are not solely governed by cultural norms or personal preferences, but by a desire to honor and serve God.
1 Corinthians 7:4
“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 highlights the mutual responsibility and respect between husbands and wives in the context of physical intimacy. It underscores the importance of selflessness and considering the needs and desires of one’s spouse, fostering an environment of honor and respect in the marital relationship.
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 portrays the impact of a wife’s behavior on her husband’s reputation and well-being. It emphasizes the significance of a wife displaying noble character, which brings honor and esteem to her husband, while a disrespectful and dishonorable wife can bring great harm and pain to her spouse.
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.”
These verses describe the value and impact of a virtuous wife. It highlights a wife’s ability to bring good, trust, and blessings into her marriage through her honorable actions and attitudes. A disrespectful wife, however, diminishes the inherent worth and benefits that a virtuous wife offers.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.”
These verses describe the characteristics of love. A disrespectful wife acts in direct contrast to what love embodies. Instead of dishonoring and disrespecting her husband, she should strive to embody the qualities of patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
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 encourage younger wives to demonstrate love, self-control, purity, and kindness, and to be subject to their husbands. By doing so, they maintain a positive witness that strengthens the credibility and integrity of the Gospel they proclaim.
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 highlights the reciprocal relationship between a husband’s love and a wife’s respect. It calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, and in response, it calls wives to show respect to their husbands. Both components are essential for a healthy and thriving marriage.
Proverbs 11:16
“A gracious woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.”
This verse reminds wives of the power and impact of graciousness. Disrespectful behavior can diminish honor and bring disharmony to a marriage, while a wife who demonstrates grace and respect will enhance her own reputation and contribute positively to her relationship.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and faithful instruction in a wife’s communication. Instead of disrespectful words, a wife should speak with wisdom, offering words of edification, encouragement, and guidance to her husband and family.
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 establishes a hierarchy of authority within relationships. It reminds wives that within the marital structure, their husbands have been entrusted with leadership and responsibility. A disrespectful wife undermines this God-ordained order and disrupts the harmony intended in marriage.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 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 emphasize the importance of older women teaching younger women, including the traits of love, self-control, purity, kindness, and submission to their husbands. Demonstrating respect as a wife is a way to prevent any negative portrayal of God’s Word or the gospel.
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 uses imagery to illustrate the impact of a quarrelsome wife. Just as a leaky roof can be immensely frustrating, a wife who consistently engages in strife and contention can deplete her husband’s peace, joy, and emotional well-being, causing harm to both husband and family.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse underscores the distress caused by a quarrelsome wife. It reveals the severity of the situation, suggesting that it is better for a husband to live in a less desirable place, such as a corner of the roof, than to reside under the same roof with a contentious and disrespectful wife.
Proverbs 27:15-16
“A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.”
These verses vividly depict the frustration and difficulty in dealing with a quarrelsome wife. Just as it is challenging to control a leaky roof or grasp oil, attempting to restrain or change a wife’s contentious behavior can seem nearly impossible, causing continuous turmoil in the household.
Proverbs 25:24
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed earlier in Proverbs 21:9, emphasizing the hardship and misery associated with living under the same roof as a quarrelsome wife. It highlights the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and mutual respect within the home.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of inner disposition on one’s well-being. A wife who exhibits disrespect and envy erodes the harmony within herself and her marriage. Conversely, a heart at peace fosters life, health, and spiritual growth within the individual and the marital relationship.
Proverbs 21:19
“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”
This verse emphasizes the detrimental nature of a disrespectful and nagging wife. It suggests that even living in a desolate and harsh environment would be preferable to living in constant contention with a wife who lacks respect and demonstrates ongoing dissatisfaction.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse, although not exclusively addressing wives, reminds all believers of the importance of wholesome speech. A disrespectful wife should guard her words, ensuring that they are constructive, uplifting, and beneficial to her husband and the well-being of their relationship.
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.”
While not directly addressing wives, this verse highlights the reciprocal nature of respect and consideration within a marriage. Wives should be respected as essential partners and recipients of God’s grace. Understanding this reciprocal respect fosters unity and ensures that both husband and wife can approach God with unhindered prayers.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse showcases the value of a prudent and respectful wife. It emphasizes that such a wife is a gift from the Lord, far more valuable than any earthly inheritance. A wife who exemplifies wisdom and respect brings an abundance of blessings to her marriage and family.
1 Corinthians 11:5
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
Although this verse primarily addresses the issue of head coverings in worship, it indirectly underscores the importance of honoring and respecting one’s head or authority. Just as a wife’s disrespectful behavior dishonors her head/husband, a woman praying or prophesying without a head covering was considered dishonorable in the context of the early church.