Ephesians 5:22-33
“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. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of submission and sacrificial love in a healthy marriage. Wives are called to submit to their husbands just as they submit to the Lord, while husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church.
A healthy marriage requires mutual respect, love, and selflessness. Husbands should love their wives in the same way they care for their own bodies and wives should show respect towards their husbands. This passage also highlights the profound mystery of marriage, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“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. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse illustrates the importance of sexual intimacy in a healthy marriage. It emphasizes the mutual responsibility of both spouses to fulfill each other’s sexual needs. Both husband and wife are called to yield their bodies to one another, understanding that they are not entitled to selfishly withhold physical intimacy.
This passage also allows for mutual consent and temporary abstinence for the purpose of prayer and devotion. However, it warns against prolonged periods of separation, as it can lead to temptation and lack of self-control.
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.”
Similar to Ephesians, this verse emphasizes the importance of submission and love within a marriage. Wives are called to submit to their husbands in a way that is fitting in the Lord, while husbands are instructed to love their wives and avoid being harsh towards them.
Submission in a healthy marriage does not imply inferiority but rather a willingness to prioritize the well-being and unity of the relationship. Husbands, on the other hand, are called to love their wives in a way that reflects the selfless and patient love of Christ.
Also Read: 39 Bible Verses About Mothers and Daughters
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 verse praises the qualities of a virtuous wife and emphasizes the value of her character. A noble wife is described as being more precious than rubies, which implies her exceptional worth and significance.
A healthy marriage thrives when both spouses have trust and confidence in each other. This verse highlights the importance of a wife bringing her husband good and never causing harm throughout their lives together.
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 further emphasizes the impact of a virtuous wife on a marriage. A wife of noble character is described as her husband’s crown, symbolizing honor, respect, and joy that she brings to her spouse.
Conversely, a disgraceful wife is likened to decay in his bones, highlighting the negative influence of a woman who lacks virtue and integrity. It underscores the importance of choosing a spouse who possesses noble character for the overall health and prosperity of the marriage.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way 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 directly, calling them to live with their wives in an understanding and respectful manner. Husbands are instructed to view their wives as partners, heirs of the gracious gift of life, and to value and respect them as such.
The verse also highlights that a failure to treat one’s spouse with respect can hinder one’s prayers. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship in marriage for spiritual well-being and unity.
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 establishes the basis for marital unity and oneness. It signifies the bond, commitment, and lifelong union that occurs when a man and a woman leave their respective families and come together in marriage.
In a healthy marriage, husband and wife become one flesh, symbolizing the strengthening of emotional, spiritual, and physical connection. It also indicates the importance of prioritizing one’s spouse above all other relationships.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse reinforces the permanence and sanctity of marriage. It emphasizes that once God has joined a husband and wife together in matrimony, no human intervention should seek to separate the union.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses strive to preserve and uphold the commitment they made before God. They work together to overcome challenges, cultivate love, and ensure the longevity of their relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the profound impact of a wise woman within her marriage and household. A wise and virtuous wife actively contributes to the building and nurturing of her household, creating an environment of love, unity, and order.
Contrarily, a foolish woman tears down her own house with her actions or words. This verse underscores the significance of women making wise decisions, exercising self-control, and using their influence to promote harmony and stability within their marriage.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse speaks to the importance of communication within a healthy marriage. It emphasizes the impact of a gentle and kind response in diffusing anger and resolving conflicts, while a harsh or cruel word only further escalates tension.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses should strive to address issues or disagreements with a gentle approach, fostering a climate of understanding, empathy, and cooperation.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This passage highlights the strength and companionship that comes from a healthy marriage. It emphasizes the benefits of having a partner to share life’s joys, burdens, and difficulties.
In a healthy marriage, two individuals bring their strengths and support each other in times of need. Together, they find comfort, encouragement, and protection against adversity. The reference to a cord of three strands signifies the importance of including God in the center of the relationship for added strength and resilience.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse reiterates the permanence and unity that comes from a healthy marriage. Two individuals become one flesh through their commitment to each other, and no human influence should seek to separate what God has joined together.
A healthy marriage is built upon the belief that spouses are bound together by a divine union, and they work diligently to maintain the unity, love, and respect that comes from this deeply spiritual connection.
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 famous passage from Corinthians provides a comprehensive definition of love, which is essential to a healthy marriage. It describes the qualities and actions that love encompasses, including patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses should strive to embody and practice these characteristics, displaying genuine love in both words and actions towards one another.
Genesis 1:27-28
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'”
This verse describes the creation of humanity in God’s image and the divine mandate for procreation and stewardship over the earth. Within the context of marriage, it speaks to the call for spouses to engage in the fruitful and responsible management of their relationship and family.
A healthy marriage involves not only growing in emotional and spiritual intimacy but also cultivating a fruitful and meaningful life together, raising children, and fulfilling the call to love, nurture, and care for one another.
1 Corinthians 11:11-12
“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.”
This verse highlights the mutual dependence and equality between men and women within marriage. It emphasizes that neither gender is independent or superior to the other.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses recognize and appreciate the unique qualities, gifts, and contributions brought by each other. They work together in unity and harmony, knowing that everything ultimately comes from God.
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 from finding a good wife. It recognizes the significance of a wife as a source of goodness, joy, and divine favor.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses understand that their union is a precious gift from God. They cherish and appreciate one another, recognizing the favor and blessings that their relationship brings to their lives and their journey of faith.
Song of Solomon 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
This verse speaks to the depth, strength, and immutability of love within a healthy marriage. It compares love to an unquenchable fire that cannot be extinguished by many waters or swept away by rivers.
In a healthy marriage, love perseveres through challenges, trials, and even worldly temptations. It is so valuable that no worldly possessions or treasures can compare to its worth, making it an essential foundation for a strong and lasting union.
Malachi 2:14-15
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”
This passage confronts the issue of marital unfaithfulness and the sacredness of the marriage covenant. It stresses that the Lord is the witness between husband and wife, and their faithfulness to one another is of utmost importance.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses remain committed and faithful to one another, honoring the covenant they made before God. They understand that their union is meant to produce godly offspring and that being on guard against unfaithfulness is crucial for the well-being of their marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This verse celebrates the beauty and pleasure within the bounds of a healthy marriage. It uses metaphors of a blessed and satisfying fountain and the allure of a loving doe to depict the joy and fulfillment that come from a deep and intimate connection with one’s spouse.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses find delight and contentment in each other’s love and affection. They nurture and prioritize the physical and emotional intimacy that allows them to grow closer and experience the unique ecstasy found in the marital relationship.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
This verse underscores the rarity and value of true, unfailing love within a healthy marriage. It contrasts superficial claims of love to the genuine love demonstrated by a faithful person.
In a healthy marriage, spouses strive to love one another faithfully and without reservation. They lead lives marked by righteousness, integrity, and virtue, leaving a lasting legacy of blessing and goodness for their children and future generations.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse highlights the divine provision and significance of a wise and prudent wife in a healthy marriage. It contrasts the acquisition of material possessions with the gift of a wife who possesses wisdom, discretion, and godly character.
In a healthy marriage, spouses recognize that their partner’s virtues and qualities are not mere coincidences or human achievements but rather blessings sent from the Lord. They cherish and appreciate the wisdom and virtue that their spouse brings to the relationship, understanding that it is a gift from God.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the primary importance of love within a healthy marriage. It encourages spouses to deeply love one another, recognizing that love has the power to cover and heal a multitude of sins and shortcomings.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses understand the need for forgiveness, grace, and compassion. They aim to love each other unconditionally, extending patience and understanding, which creates an environment of acceptance, growth, and healing.
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.'”
This verse recognizes the contributions and impact of a virtuous wife and mother. It describes the honor and praise bestowed upon her by her children and husband.
A healthy marriage involves mutual appreciation and recognition. Husbands should admire and praise their wives for their noble character and the immeasurable value they bring to the family. Children, too, should express gratitude and respect for a mother who embodies virtues and selflessness.
Proverbs 31:30-31
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
This verse reminds us of the eternal value and significance of a woman who fears the Lord. It contrasts the temporary nature of charm and physical beauty with the lasting praise given to a woman who has a reverential awe and respect for the Lord.
In a healthy marriage, both spouses recognize and honor the godly character, wisdom, and good works of their spouse. They appreciate that true beauty comes from a heart devoted to the Lord and reflect this gratitude and admiration in their public praise and affirmation.