Marriage can face challenges, but God’s Word offers wisdom and hope. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about handling struggles in marriage with love and faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Obedient
What Does The Bible Say About Unhappy Marriage
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 highlights the importance of commitment and reconciliation in marriage. It emphasizes the significance of staying together and seeking resolution rather than choosing divorce as a solution to an unhappy marriage.
Marriage is a covenant between two individuals, and this verse reminds us that divorce should not be taken lightly. It encourages spouses to work towards reconciliation and to prioritize the unity of the marriage.
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 sacredness of marriage and the bond that is formed between husband and wife. It reinforces the idea that marriage is a union ordained by God, and therefore should not be easily broken.
When faced with difficulties in a marriage, this verse reminds us to honor the commitment we made to one another and seek God’s guidance in working through our issues. It encourages spouses to view their marriage as a unified partnership and to work towards preserving and strengthening that bond.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
This verse provides valuable guidance for a struggling marriage. It emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience in dealing with one another. It encourages spouses to bear with each other’s faults and shortcomings in a spirit of love.
Furthermore, it urges couples to actively work towards unity and peace, recognizing that a healthy and happy marriage requires ongoing effort and intentional actions. This verse reminds us to prioritize love and forgiveness, even in the midst of challenges.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In the context of an unhappy marriage, this verse emphasizes the significance of forgiveness. It encourages spouses to demonstrate grace and mercy towards one another, just as God has shown us His forgiveness.
Forgiveness is essential for healing and restoring the brokenness within a marriage. It requires letting go of resentment and choosing to extend love and understanding instead. This verse reminds us that forgiveness is a powerful tool for reconciliation and the cultivation of a healthy marital relationship.
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 cautionary reminder of the impact our words and actions can have on our marriage. It underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in nurturing a healthy and vibrant marital relationship.
Instead of tearing down our marriage through negative behaviors or words, this verse encourages us to be wise and intentional in our actions. It urges us to build a strong foundation of love, respect, and understanding within our homes.
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 directly, urging them to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. It emphasizes the importance of equality within the marital relationship and encourages husbands to recognize the value and worth of their wives.
By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, husbands can contribute to the overall satisfaction and happiness in their marriage. Furthermore, this verse suggests that the way husbands treat their wives can affect their spiritual life as well.
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
This verse offers practical wisdom for resolving conflicts in a marriage. It urges individuals to cultivate good communication skills by being attentive and slow to anger.
Oftentimes, unhappiness in marriage can arise from misunderstandings and poor communication. By adopting a humble and patient attitude towards our spouse, and by actively listening before responding, we create a space for understanding and empathy, allowing for healthier and more constructive conversations.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse highlights the power of gentle and kind words in diffusing conflicts within a marriage. It encourages spouses to respond to each other with patience and grace rather than reacting with anger or harshness.
By deliberately choosing to respond gently, we create an atmosphere of peace and understanding, promoting resolution and reconciliation. This verse reminds us of the importance of our words and the impact they can have on our spouse and our overall marital happiness.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This verse reminds us of the qualities that should characterize the life of a believer, including those within a marriage. It encourages spouses to embody the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, peace, kindness, and self-control.
By cultivating these qualities within our marriage, we create an environment that fosters happiness and mutual respect. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in shaping our behaviors and attitudes towards our spouse.
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 divine design for marriage and the unity that is intended to exist between husband and wife. It emphasizes the significance of leaving one’s family and forming a new bond with a spouse.
This verse reminds us that, in marriage, we are called to prioritizing our relationship with our spouse above all others. It speaks to the need for a strong foundation of unity and partnership, which can contribute to the happiness and fulfillment of both individuals within 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 acknowledges the impact a wife’s character can have on her husband’s well-being and happiness. It highlights the importance of honorable and virtuous conduct, reflecting positively on both the wife and the marriage.
A wife who embodies noble character brings honor and joy to her husband. Conversely, a wife who lacks integrity or engages in disgraceful behavior can erode the strength and happiness of the marriage. This verse encourages wives to strive for excellence in their conduct, nurturing a strong and fulfilling marital relationship.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
This verse affirms the value and importance of a wise and discerning wife within a marriage. It suggests that a spouse who possesses prudence and godly wisdom is a gift from the Lord.
A prudent wife contributes to the overall happiness and success of the marital relationship through her wisdom, understanding, and ability to make sound decisions. This verse reminds us to seek these qualities in a spouse and to recognize their impact on the quality of our marriage.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
This verse illustrates the power and strength that can be found within the unity of a marriage. It emphasizes that when both spouses come together in unity and partnership, they can overcome challenges and withstand adversity.
When faced with difficulties or an unhappy marriage, this verse encourages couples to rely on their shared faith in God and to strengthen their bond through prayer, seeking guidance, and support from the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder that a strong marital foundation, rooted in mutual support and trust, has the capacity to withstand the storms of life.
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 iconic passage from Corinthians provides a comprehensive description of love’s transformative power, acting as a foundational guide for relationships, including within the context of marriage.
When applied to an unhappy marriage, this verse serves as a blueprint for how couples should treat one another. It reminds us to prioritize kindness, patience, and selflessness in our actions. It encourages forgiveness, trust, and the active pursuit of truth. It inspires hope and perseverance, even during challenging times.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
This verse highlights the positive influence that a righteous and blameless life can have on future generations, including within a family and marriage. It emphasizes the importance of individuals striving to live lives of integrity and righteousness.
By embodying godly characteristics and principles, we create an environment in which our children and future generations can find blessing and happiness. This verse serves as a reminder of the impact our choices and actions can have on our marriage, family, and subsequent generations.
Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
This verse extols the value and preciousness of a wife of noble character. It recognizes the worth and significance of a virtuous and capable wife within a marriage.
A wife who possesses noble character brings great blessings and happiness to her husband. This verse reminds us to treasure the qualities of dignity, wisdom, and capability within our spouses, recognizing their immeasurable worth in fostering a joyful and fulfilling marriage.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
This verse calls husbands to emulate the sacrificial love of Christ towards the church in their love for their wives. It sets a high standard for husbands, urging them to love their wives selflessly and unconditionally.
By actively demonstrating sacrificial love, husbands contribute to the happiness and well-being of their wives. This verse challenges husbands to prioritize their wives’ needs and to give of themselves wholeheartedly, just as Christ did for the church.
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
This verse emphasizes the role of love in fulfilling God’s commandments and living harmoniously within a marriage. It reminds us that love should be the guiding principle behind our actions and motives.
In an unhappy marriage, this verse prompts us to examine our behaviors and attitudes towards our spouse. It calls us to prioritize love and to refrain from causing harm or inflicting pain on one another. By doing so, we actively contribute to the restoration and happiness of our marital relationship.
Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
This passage acknowledges the significance and blessings of children within a family and marriage. It recognizes children as a heritage from the Lord and a reward.
Children can bring joy, purpose, and unity to a marital relationship. This verse encourages parents to view their children as a source of blessings and to foster a nurturing and loving environment within their home. By doing so, they contribute to the overall happiness and strength of their marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This verse highlights the power of love in healing and reconciling strained relationships. It encourages spouses to love one another deeply, recognizing that love has the capacity to forgive and cover a multitude of sins.
When faced with an unhappy marriage, this verse reminds us to choose love over bitterness or resentment. It urges us to extend grace and forgiveness to our spouse, reflecting the same love and mercy that God has shown us. By doing so, we create a path towards healing and restoring our marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:11-12
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 describes the qualities of a virtuous wife who brings blessing and value to her husband’s life. It emphasizes the importance of trust, support, and commitment within a marital relationship.
A wife who brings good and not harm to her husband fosters an atmosphere of trust and security. This verse reminds us of the impact our actions and attitudes can have on our spouse, influencing their happiness and well-being within the marriage.
Proverbs 21:19
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
This verse highlights the negative consequences of constant quarreling and nagging within a marriage. It cautions against the destructive nature of such behaviors and the impact they can have on the happiness of both spouses.
An unhappy marriage can be exacerbated by a constant atmosphere of quarreling and nagging. This verse serves as a reminder to cultivate a spirit of peace, patience, and understanding within our marital relationships, fostering an environment that promotes happiness and unity.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
This verse, commonly known as the Golden Rule, provides a guiding principle for relationships, including within the context of marriage. It encourages spouses to treat one another with the same respect, love, and consideration that they desire for themselves.
By prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our spouse and practicing empathy, we build a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect within our marriage. This verse reminds us to approach our marital relationship selflessly, seeking to fulfill our partner’s needs and fostering a culture of love and kindness.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and purity of the marital relationship. It underscores the importance of honoring and cherishing marriage as a divine institution.
In an unhappy marriage, this verse calls spouses to recommit themselves to fidelity and purity within their relationship. It warns against the destructive consequences of adultery and sexual immorality, highlighting the serious nature of such actions in the eyes of God.
These Bible verses provide guidance and wisdom for navigating an unhappy marriage. They call us to examine our actions, attitudes, and priorities within our relationship, urging us to cultivate love, forgiveness, humility, and selflessness. They remind us of the sacredness of marriage, the importance of commitment, and the spiritual impact our behaviors can have on ourselves and our spouse. Through prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and intentionally applying these principles, we can embark on a journey towards healing, reconciliation, and renewed happiness in our marital relationship.