Marriage is a divine institution established by God—a sacred union rooted in love, mutual respect, and honor. As wives, our attitude toward our husbands greatly influences the health, harmony, and longevity of the marriage. The Bible emphasizes that a wife should honor her husband, respecting him as a leader, partner, and gift from God.
In today’s culture, respect for marriage and the husband is often diminished. Yet, Scripture commands wives to treat their husbands with honor and reverence, recognizing their God-ordained role. This respect is not based on a man’s worthiness but on God’s divine order and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
This article explores the biblical call for wives to honor their husbands, the importance of respecting any man they marry, and practical ways to demonstrate honor rooted in Scripture.
I. The Biblical Foundation: Honor and Respect in Marriage
A. The Wife’s Role: To Honor Her Husband
The Bible explicitly commands wives to honor and respect their husbands.
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 clearly links love and respect—husbands are to love their wives sacrificially, and wives are to honor their husbands. Respect is a vital expression of love within marriage.
B. The Proverbs Woman: A Model of Honor and Respect
Proverbs 31:25-28 describes the ideal wife:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
This woman is honored because of her wisdom, dignity, and respect for her family, including her husband.
C. Respect as a Reflection of God’s Order
Respecting your husband is also recognizing God’s divine order.
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.”
Honoring your husband is honoring God’s ordained structure for marriage.
II. Why Respecting Your Husband Matters
A. It Honors God and His Design
Respecting your husband aligns with God’s plan for marriage. It demonstrates obedience and reverence for divine authority.
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.”
Respect reflects godliness and helps uphold the integrity of the marriage.
B. It Builds a Strong and Healthy Marriage
Respect fosters trust, reduces conflicts, and creates a loving environment where both spouses can thrive.
Never marry any man you cannot obey and respect.
Ephesians 4:31-32:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Respect leads to kindness and compassion, essential for a strong marriage.
C. It Influences Children and Society
Children learn respect within marriage, and a respectful marriage sets a biblical example for others.
Psalm 128:3:
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”
Respect in marriage produces a stable, loving environment for children.
III. Practical Ways to Honor and Respect Your Husband
A. Speak Words of Encouragement and Affirmation
Words have power. Speaking positively about your husband boosts his confidence and shows honor.
Proverbs 31:26:
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
B. Show Appreciation and Gratitude
Regularly thank him for his efforts and sacrifices.
1 Thessalonians 5:11:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
C. Respect His Leadership and Decisions
Trust his judgment and support his leadership, where biblical principles are upheld.
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.”
D. Avoid Criticism and Gossip
Refrain from speaking negatively about him to others.
Ephesians 4:29:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
E. Be Faithful and Loyal
Maintain fidelity in thought, word, and deed.
Proverbs 31:12:
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Your husband needs your honor and not just sex. Sex is nonsense without respect. You are not your husband’s help mate, rather you are his help meet. Stop being stubborn and disrespectful to your husband if you truly want a happy marriage.
F. Support His Goals and Dreams
Encourage him in his pursuits and dreams, showing respect for his role as provider and leader.
Colossians 3:23-24:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
IV. Respect for Any Man You Marry
A. Honor the Marriage Covenant
God’s command is clear: respect and honor your husband, regardless of circumstances or past experiences.
Romans 13:7:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
B. Respect as an Attitude of the Heart
Respect is not merely external but must be rooted in genuine love and reverence for God’s institution.
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.”
C. Respecting Your Husband’s Role and Authority
Recognize his position as the leader God has placed in your marriage.
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.”
Respecting your husband reflects obedience to God’s divine order.
V. The Power of Respect in Strengthening Marriage
A. Respect Creates a Loving Atmosphere
When wives respect their husbands, it encourages mutual love and commitment.
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.”
B. Respect Promotes Peace and Unity
Respect reduces conflicts and fosters harmony.
Colossians 4:6:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
C. Respect Honors God’s Design
Respect is a reflection of obedience to God’s order and a witness to others.
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.”
Treating your husband with honor and respect is not just a cultural courtesy; it is a divine command rooted in God’s Word. A wife who honors her husband reflects God’s design for marriage and fosters a loving, peaceful, and spiritually healthy relationship.
Romans 13:7 reminds us:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
As wives, our responsibility is to greatly honor our husbands—recognizing their God-ordained roles, supporting them, and demonstrating love through respect. In doing so, we fulfill God’s purpose for marriage and create a household that glorifies Him.
Let us remember Proverbs 31:28:
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
May every wife strive to treat her husband with honor, reflecting Christ’s love, and fulfilling her divine calling in marriage.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
