HUSBAND, HONOR THY WIFE

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto a weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

In the first six verses of this chapter, Peter's lesson is directed toward the Godly responsibilities of women, and in particular wives. In verse seven, Peter speaks regarding the duties of the husband. Wives have responsibilities, and likewise, husbands do, as well. For a more detailed lesson on the responsibility and love required by God for a husband towardhis wife, the reader should study, in depth, Paul's writing to the Christians in Ephesus (See Ephesians 5:25-31). From a human standpoint, the institution of marriage, and the responsibilities it carries with it, is often spoken of jokingly. However, its spiritual implications are very sobering and should not to be taken lightly.

Regarding wives, Peter says that husbands are to dwell with them according to knowledge. Knowledge is needed. There is something that should be learned about a marriage relationship. Hopefully, this learning process takes place before the marriage is consummated. No doubt, much advice is given the prospective bride and groom, prior to the wedding day. Some will be given in the spirit of levity, and some shared from a very serious standpoint that may be based on the success or failure of other marriages. Your peers, your parents, or other family members will give advice. Some advice will be good, some not so good, and even some will probably be bad.

Although the counsel of others, regarding this relationship, is often useful and good, there is another source that all should consider before being united in marriage. All need to gain a full knowledge of what God's word says on the matter. The institution of marriage originated with God. Who better can we look to for wise counsel? Study His word. In it, you will gain knowledge of the honorable purpose of marriage, the duties and responsibilities of both husband and wife, as well as its requirement of permanency.

In this lesson text, Peter teaches one specific responsibility God says is necessary in a good marriage relationship; one all husbands, and prospective husbands, should learn, believe in, and place into practice. The husband is to continually be giving honor unto the wife, as unto a weaker vessel. Understand, that prior to the New Testament commandments regarding marriage, the wife seemed to be treated without honor, and given very little respect, especially within the Gentile nations. In many instances, wives were treated as mere chattel. Marriage, as a partnership between husband and wife, was rare or non-existent. In Christianity, the wife is to be esteemed, held in high respect, and given honor, by the husband. This was not a mere suggestion by God; it is His commandment, to be learned and kept to the same degree that all other commandments of God are to be obeyed.

Peter mentions three reasons the husband is to show honor to his wife. The first reason is because, between the two of them, she is the weaker vessel. From a physical standpoint, some women are stronger than some men, but, in general this is not true. Is she less intelligent? No! Is she less, from a spiritual standpoint, in the eyes of God? Definitely not! Generally women were created to have a more delicate stature, and to be more fragile physically. Men are to honor women in this respect.

Secondly, honor is due because they are heirs together of the grace of God. They are heirs of equal value in God's sight. Both husband and wife have equal responsibility to encourage and lead each other to believe and accept Jesus Christ as the Savior, recognizing that through Him, and only through Him, each may find eternal salvation.

And finally, honor is necessary, that your prayers be not hindered. For prayers to be heard, one must be in the proper relationship with God. Not only must you be a believing child of God, have reverently sought forgiveness of all sins, but you must sincerely reverence and love Him. The same commandment that says, he who loveth God love his brother also (1 John 4:21), carries with it the same message requiring the husband to honor and love his wife, in order to demonstrate his true love for God. The feeling of superiority over the wife, as well as any form of distrust, hatred, verbal or physical abuse, a contentious attitude, or withholding respect and affection, are all acts showing dishonor by a husband toward his wife. Where such exists, proper love for God is absent; prayers are hindered, and undoubtedly will go unanswered. What a great message this short verse contains - Husband, Honor thy Wife!