Marriage is a sacred union, but what happens when it turns toxic? The Bible offers guidance on how to approach troubled relationships, including when separation or divorce might be necessary. Let’s explore how scripture addresses unhealthy marriages and what steps the Bible encourages us to take for healing and peace.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Misunderstanding
What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages
Ephesians 5:33
“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
This verse highlights the importance of love and respect within a marriage. It reminds husbands to love their wives as they love themselves and encourages wives to respect their husbands.
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 physical intimacy within a marriage. It reminds spouses to fulfill their marital duties and to submit to one another willingly.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse signifies the unity and permanence of marriage. It teaches that once a husband and wife are joined together by God, they should remain committed to one another and not allow any external factors to separate them.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of a wife’s character on her husband. It conveys that a virtuous and supportive wife is a great asset to her husband, while a wife who brings shame or discord can be destructive to their 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 emphasizes the importance of husbands treating their wives with understanding, respect, and honor. It teaches that a healthy marriage is dependent on mutual respect and recognizes the equal value and status of both spouses.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse warns about the detrimental effects of constant conflict and disputes within a marriage. It suggests that it is better to live in solitude than to reside in a home filled with constant bickering and contention.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of submission and love within a marital relationship. It encourages wives to submit to their husbands’ leadership in a respectful manner and motivates husbands to love their wives and treat them with kindness and gentleness.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the influence of our companions on our well-being. It encourages individuals to choose wise and godly partners who will contribute positively to their lives, including their marriages.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse contrasts the actions of a wise and foolish woman within a marriage. It implies that a wise woman contributes positively to the growth, stability, and success of her home, while a foolish woman undermines and destroys her own household.
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.”
This verse describes the characteristics of genuine love. It serves as a reminder for spouses to exhibit patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness towards one another, fostering a healthy and loving relationship.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
This verse highlights the importance of love and harmony in a marriage. It suggests that a simple and modest lifestyle, accompanied by genuine love, is more meaningful and fulfilling than abundant material possessions coupled with animosity.
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.”
This verse vividly portrays the constant annoyance and difficulty faced by a husband who is married to a contentious woman. It emphasizes the challenges of restraining or changing such behavior.
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 verse teaches that separation and divorce should not be taken lightly within a marriage. It encourages spouses to seek reconciliation and highlights the value of commitment and fidelity in preserving the marital bond.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse underscores the impact of words on a marriage. It warns against the harmful effects of reckless, hurtful speech and encourages spouses to utilize wise and healing words to nurture their relationship.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts within a marriage. It suggests that wisdom lies in seeking peace and harmony, while foolishness is manifested in a tendency to engage in frequent quarrels.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse emphasizes the power of love in resolving conflicts within a marriage. It teaches that love has the ability to forgive and reconcile, overshadowing past wrongs and fostering unity.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This verse advises against forming close relationships with individuals who have a quick temper. It warns that such associations can lead to adopting similar behavior and getting entangled in destructive patterns.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse recognizes the importance of a wise and discerning wife within a marriage. It suggests that she is a gift from God, surpassing the value of material possessions in contributing to the overall well-being of the family.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the mutual influence and growth that can occur within a marital relationship. It indicates that spouses can positively impact each other’s character, encouraging personal development and spiritual growth.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse urges spouses to show unwavering dedication and love to each other. It encourages mutual respect and esteem, prioritizing the needs and well-being of the other above one’s own.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse highlights the value and rarity of a virtuous and noble wife. It suggests that such a woman is highly esteemed, exhibiting qualities that are more precious than valuable gemstones.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse speaks to the establishment of marriage and the unity that is formed between a husband and wife. It emphasizes the bond that surpasses family ties and the commitment to prioritize and cling to one another.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
This verse affirms the source and inspiration of love. It teaches that our ability to love one another originates from the love of God, who initiated love towards us.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.”
This verse highlights the blessing and favor that comes with finding a suitable spouse. It suggests that a godly wife is a valuable gift and a source of joy and blessing in a husband’s life.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of deep love within a marriage. It acknowledges that love has the power to forgive and overlook the faults and shortcomings of one another, fostering unity and harmony.