Showing Love and Respect as a Husband

“Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself.”​—EPHESIANS 5:33.

 1, 2. (a) To what extent is divorce a problem in the world today? (b) In contrast, what other situation exists?

IN THE mid-1980’s, Psychology Today reported: “More than a million couples a year [in the U.S.A.] now end their expectations of bliss in divorce; the average duration of a marriage in the United States is 9.4 years. . . . Indeed, it seems at times that no one out there is happily married.” (June 1985) Considering the adults as well as the children, that amounts to at least 3,000,000 people a year affected by a broken marriage in just one country. But divorce is a worldwide problem, which indicates that love and respect are lacking in millions of marriages.

² On the other hand, there is “another group [that] tends to be overlooked: those couples who somehow manage to stay together, who allow nothing less than death itself to break them up.” (Psychology Today) Thus, there are also millions of couples who work hard at keeping their marriage together.

 3. What questions might we ask ourselves?

³ How is your marriage? Is there a warm feeling of love and respect between husband and wife? Does such love exist between parents and children in your family? Or do you sometimes find yourselves walking a tightrope of resentment and distrust? Since none of us are perfect, difficult situations might arise in any household, even where all are trying to be Christian, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”​—Romans 3:23.

 4. How do Paul and Peter indicate who has the key role in a happy family?

⁴ In view of the fact that difficulties can arise in any household, who has the key role in keeping the family on a peaceful and harmonious track? The apostles Paul and Peter supply the answer in the direct counsel found in their letters. Paul wrote: “I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God.” He also stated: “Be in subjection to one another in fear of Christ. Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation.” (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:21-23) In a similar vein, Peter wrote: “In like manner [following the model of Christ], you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands.”​—1 Peter 2:21–3:1.

Christ​—The Refreshing Example

 5, 6. How is Jesus Christ an example in the exercising of headship?

⁵ In accordance with the aforementioned counsel, the husband is the Scriptural head of the family. But in what sense is he the head? How should headship be exercised? Some husbands might find it easy to demand respect by insisting that they are ‘the head of the house, and the Bible says so.’ But how does that match Christ’s example? Did Christ proudly demand respect from his followers? Can we find any occasion when he haughtily said: “Who’s the Son of God around here? You have to respect me!” On the contrary, Jesus earned respect. How? By his good example in conduct, speech, and compassionate treatment of others.​—Mark 6:30-34.

⁶ So the key to exercising headship properly as a husband and father is to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Even though Jesus was never married, the way he treated his disciples is the model for husbands. That certainly presents a challenge to any husband, for Jesus is a perfect model. (Hebrews 4:15; 12:1-3) Nevertheless, the closer a husband comes to Christ’s example, the deeper will be the love and respect he is shown. Therefore, let us look more closely at the kind of person Jesus was.​—Ephesians 5:25-29; 1 Peter 2:21, 22.

 7. What did Jesus offer to his followers, and from what source?

⁷ On one occasion, Jesus said to a crowd: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” Now, what did Jesus offer his listeners? Spiritual refreshment! But from what source would the refreshment come? He had just said: “Neither does anyone fully know the Father but the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.” This indicated that Jesus would offer spiritual refreshment by revealing his Father to his true followers. But Jesus’ remarks also implied that refreshment would come from association with him, since he was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.”​—Matthew 11:25-30.

How to Be Refreshing Husbands and Fathers

 8. In what ways should a husband and father be refreshing?

⁸ Jesus’ words help us to see that a Christian husband should be refreshing to his family in both spiritual and personal ways. By his mild-tempered example and teaching, he should be helping his family to come to know the heavenly Father better. His conduct should reflect the mind and actions of God’s Son. (John 15:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:16) It is refreshing for all in the family to associate with such a man because he is a loving husband, father, and friend. He must be approachable and never too busy for consultation. Indeed, he must know how to listen, not just hear.​—James 1:19.

 9. What problem sometimes affects elders in the congregation?

⁹ This brings to mind a problem that sometimes affects congregation elders and their families. An elder is usually kept busy attending to the spiritual needs of the congregation. He has to set a good example with regard to Christian meetings, the ministry, and shepherding work. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) However, some elders have, in effect, burned themselves out for the congregation. In the process they have neglected their families, at times with painful results. In one case an elder was too busy to study with his own son. He arranged for someone else to do it!

10. How can elders be balanced in their exercise of headship in the congregation and the home?

¹⁰ What does this example emphasize? The need for a man to maintain a balance between congregation duties and those toward his wife and family. For example, after meetings the elders are often busy with problems and discussions. If it is possible and practical, would it not be refreshing for such an elder to make arrangements for someone to take his wife and children home, rather than having them wait for hours in the Kingdom Hall? In accordance with Biblical requirements, it can be said that ‘shepherding begins at home.’ If an elder neglects his family, he could jeopardize his appointment. Therefore, elders, be considerate and take into account the emotional, spiritual, and other needs of your family.​—1 Timothy 3:4, 5; Titus 1:5, 6.

11, 12. How can a Christian husband obtain the support of his family, and what questions might each husband ask himself?

¹¹ A refreshing Christian husband also will not be despotic or tyrannical, making decisions without consulting his family. Perhaps a decision has to be made regarding a change of job or home location or even such a simple matter as family recreation. Since all members of the family will be affected, would it not be wise and kind to consult all of them? Their opinions may help him to arrive at a wiser, more considerate, decision. Then it will be easier for all in the family to support him.​—Compare Proverbs 15:22.

¹² From the foregoing, it is evident that a Christian husband and father is not just a disciplinary figure in the home. He must also be refreshing. Husbands and fathers, are you Christlike? Are you refreshing to your family?​—Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21.

Dwelling According to Knowledge

13. Peter offers what fine counsel to husbands?

¹³ As already noted, both Peter and Paul offer fine counsel to married couples. Being a married man, Peter had a double advantage in his counsel​—experience and the direction of the holy spirit. (Matthew 8:14) He directed pointed counsel to all husbands, saying: “You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.” The paraphrased translation by J. W. C. Wand reads: “Husbands in the same way must apply Christian principles with intelligence to their relationship with their wives.”​—1 Peter 3:7.

14. What questions now arise?

¹⁴ Now, what does it mean to dwell with a wife “according to knowledge” or to “apply Christian principles with intelligence”? How can a husband assign honor to his wife? Indeed, how should a Christian husband understand Peter’s counsel?

15. (a) Why do some marriages fail? (b) What is the real challenge in a marriage?

¹⁵ Many marriages are based simply on physical factors and sexual attraction. Yet, a lasting marriage cannot be guaranteed on the basis of good looks alone, for these are not durable. Gray hair and wrinkles eventually catch up with those who have been married for many years. But remember that marriage is the uniting of two minds, two personalities, two backgrounds and sets of spiritual values, and two tongues. This presents quite a challenge! Yet, understanding this is essential to a happy marriage.​—Proverbs 17:1; 21:9.

16. ‘Dwelling with her according to knowledge’ involves what?

¹⁶ Among other things, for a Christian husband to dwell with his wife “according to knowledge” means that he really has to understand her needs. These are not just her physical needs but, more importantly, her emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. If he ‘dwells with her according to knowledge,’ he will understand his God-assigned role. It will also mean that he respects her feminine dignity. This is quite opposite to the view held by some Gnostics in Peter’s day, among whom “women were despised as lower, carnal, and unclean beings.” (The Anchor Bible) A modern Spanish translation renders Peter’s words: “Regarding husbands: have tact in your shared life, showing consideration for the woman, because of her being of a more delicate constitution.” (Nueva Biblia Española) This makes a fine point that husbands sometimes forget.

17. (a) Among other factors, what is involved in the “delicate constitution” of the ‘weaker feminine vessel’? (b) What is one way that a husband can show respect for his wife’s dignity?

¹⁷ Why is the wife “of a more delicate constitution”? Among other things, because of her gift of procreation. Her procreative life is subject to monthly cycles that include a period of several days when she might be feeling somewhat limited or under strain. If the husband fails to take this into account and makes the same demands on his wife every day of the month, he will fail to respect her dignity. In that case he will be showing that he lives with her in accordance with selfish ignorance, rather than with knowledge.​—Leviticus 18:19; 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Assigning Honor to the Feminine Vessel

18. (a) Into what negative habit do some spouses fall? (b) How should a Christian husband act?

¹⁸ Another way in which a husband can show love and respect for his wife is by showing and expressing appreciation for her and her qualities. A husband may fall into the habit of making derogatory remarks about his wife or may make her the butt of his jokes. Maybe such a husband thinks that this helps to cast him in a more favorable light. In fact, however, the effect is to the contrary, for if he constantly makes his wife look foolish, the obvious question is: Why did he marry such a foolish woman? Really, it would seem that only an insecure husband would resort to such tactics. A loving husband respects his wife.​—Proverbs 12:18; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

19. Why would it not be proper for a husband to demean his wife?

¹⁹ In some countries, men even have the custom of demeaning their wives as a form of seeming modesty. For example, a Japanese husband will introduce his wife with the word “Gusai,” which means ‘stupid or foolish wife.’ The intent of this is that the other person should balance the situation with a complimentary remark about the woman. If a Christian husband makes this type of presentation, is he really ‘assigning honor’ to his wife as Peter counseled? Looking at matters from another angle, is he really speaking truth to his neighbor? Does he truly believe that his wife is foolish?​—Ephesians 4:15, 25; 5:28, 29.

20. (a) What contradictory situation may develop between a husband and wife? (b) How can it be avoided?

²⁰ Sometimes a husband will show a lack of love and respect simply by forgetting that his wife is also his Christian sister, not just in the Kingdom Hall but at home and on every occasion. How easy it is to be kind and polite at the hall and rude and brusque at home! So how appropriate Paul’s counsel is! He wrote: “Let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.” “Let each of us please his neighbor in what is good for his upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19; 15:2) There is no closer neighbor than a husband or a wife.

21. What can husbands do to encourage their wives?

²¹ Therefore, a loving Christian husband will manifest appreciation for his wife by words and deeds. As an anonymous poet expressed it:

“Amid the cares of married strife

In spite of toil and business life

If you value your dear wife—

Tell her so! . . .

You are hers and hers alone;

Well you know she’s all your own;

Don’t wait to carve it on a stone—

Tell her so!”

These sentiments are clearly supported by ancient King Lemuel’s mother. In part, she described the ideal wife in these words: “Her sons with one accord call her happy; her husband too, and he sings her praises: ‘Many a woman shows how capable she is; but you excel them all.’” (Proverbs 31:1, 28, 29, The New English Bible) Husbands, do you regularly praise your wives, or was that only for courtship?

22, 23. On what is a successful marriage based?

²² From this brief consideration, it is evident that for a husband to show love and respect in his marriage, it is not enough just to bring home the wages. A successful marriage is based on a loving, loyal, and considerate relationship. (1 Peter 3:8, 9) As the years pass by, this relationship should deepen as husband and wife appreciate each other’s virtues and strengths and learn to overlook and forgive each other’s weaknesses.​—Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14.

²³ If the husband takes the lead in showing love and respect, the whole family will be blessed. But what role should the Christian wife play in a happy family? The following article will discuss that and related questions.

Showing Love and Respect as a Wife

“The wife should have deep respect for her husband.”​—EPHESIANS 5:33.

 1. What questions arise regarding the modern state of marriage?

IN THIS modern era of independence and “liberation,” the traditional view of marriage has suffered some severe knocks. Millions of families have to function while lacking either a father or a mother. Living together without the benefit of a legal marriage has become the custom of many. But has this led to greater security for the woman and mother? Has it provided stability for the children? And has this breakdown of values led to greater respect within the family arrangement? In contrast, what does God’s Word recommend?

 2. Why was it not good for Adam to continue alone?

² When God expressed his intention to create the first woman, he stated: “It is not good for the man to continue by himself.” And after observing animal families​—males and females with their young ones—​Adam’s feeling must have harmonized with that statement. Although perfect and in a satisfying paradise, Adam lacked companionship with someone of his kind. He was gifted with intelligence and speech, but there was no other creature of his kind with whom to share those gifts. Yet, the situation would soon be different, for God said: “I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.”​—Genesis 2:18-20.

 3. (a) How was Eve of Adam’s “kind”? (b) What does it mean for a man to “stick” to his wife?

³ Jehovah created the woman Eve by using one of Adam’s ribs as a base. Therefore, Eve was of the same “kind” as Adam. She was not a lower animal but was “bone of [his] bones and flesh of [his] flesh.” Accordingly, the inspired account says: “That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23, 24) The Hebrew word translated “stick” literally means “to cleave, to adhere, specially firmly, as if with glue.” (Gesenius’ Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures) This really communicates the idea of a husband and wife being inseparable companions. Another scholar says that “it refers to more than the sexual union of man and wife and extends to the whole relationship.” Thus, marriage is not a passing fancy. It is a lasting relationship. And where there is mutual respect and dignity, that unity, although perhaps strained at times, should be unbreakable.​—Matthew 19:3-9.

 4. In what sense was the woman man’s helper and complement?

⁴ God said that the woman would be man’s helper and complement. Since they were made in God’s image, he would expect them to manifest his qualities​—justice, love, wisdom, and power—​in their relationship with each other. Therefore, Eve would be “a complement,” not a competitor. The family would not be like a ship with two competing captains, but headship would be exercised by Adam.​—1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Timothy 2:12, 13.

 5. How have many men treated women, and does this have God’s approval?

⁵ However, the rebellion and sin of the first human pair against God’s loving headship precipitated a different setting for the forming of their family and all future families. With foreknowledge of the results of their sin and its effect upon mankind, Jehovah said to Eve: “Your craving will be for your husband, and he will dominate you.” (Genesis 3:16) Unfortunately, over the centuries many men have dominated women in a tyrannical manner. Women have been and still are humiliated and degraded in many ways all over the world. Yet, as we have seen in the previous article, the application of Bible principles provides no basis for male despotism. On the other hand, it does emphasize the value of deep respect.

Deep Respect​—A Challenge

 6, 7. (a) How may unbelieving husbands be won over to the truth? (b) How could a wife possibly be failing to show “deep respect” for her unbelieving husband?

⁶ The apostle Peter detailed Christ’s example in conduct and explained that Jesus left us ‘a model to follow his steps closely.’ Then Peter stated: “In like manner, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” (1 Peter 2:21–3:2) How can Christian wives manifest this “deep respect”?

⁷ Many of our Christian sisters have unbelieving and sometimes opposing husbands. Do these circumstances mean that Peter’s counsel is then null and void? No, subjection and respect are required even if “any are not obedient to the word.” Therefore, would it be a sign of deep respect if a Christian wife with an opposing husband were to come to the Kingdom Hall and gossip about him, recounting to many sisters in the congregation all the ill-treatment she had received from him? If she did that with regard to a brother or a sister in the congregation, what would it be called? Gossip, or perhaps even slander. Therefore, it is not evidence of deep respect for a wife to malign her unbelieving husband. (1 Timothy 3:11; 5:13) Yet, it has to be recognized that some opposed sisters have a serious problem. What is the Christian solution? They can go to the elders and seek their help and advice.​—Hebrews 13:17.

 8. What might be an opposing husband’s line of thought?

⁸ How can the elders deal tactfully with an opposing husband? First of all, they can try to see the situation from his viewpoint. His verbal or physical violence could be motivated by a triple-link chain reaction of ignorance leading to fear and then to a violent reaction. And why does this occur? Sometimes the husband knows little or nothing about Jehovah’s Witnesses except for what he hears from prejudiced workmates. He does know that before his wife started to study the Bible she may have been totally absorbed in him and their children. Although she may now be a better wife and mother, his attitude is: ‘She abandons me three times a week to go to those meetings. I don’t know what goes on in those meetings, but there are some good-looking men down at that hall, and . . . ’ Yes, his ignorance might lead to jealousy and fear. Then comes the defensive reaction. Where these attitudes are discerned, how might the elders help?​—Proverbs 14:30; 27:4.

 9. What tactful approach may be used with some unbelieving husbands, and what effect may this have?

⁹ Perhaps one of the elders could get to know the husband on a personal level. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) The husband may have skill as an electrician, a carpenter, or a painter. He might be willing to use that skill to help out with a problem at the Kingdom Hall. In that way he would get to see the inside of the Kingdom Hall without feeling any obligation to attend a meeting. As he gets to know the brothers, his attitude toward his wife and the truth might soften. Upon seeing the love and spirit of cooperation in the congregation, he might even begin to bring his wife to the meetings. Then, as one thing leads to another, he might step inside the hall during a meeting to listen for a while. Before long, he could be asking for a Bible study. All of this can be achieved and at times it has been. There are thousands of believing husbands today, thanks to such love and tact and a wife’s “deep respect.”​—Ephesians 5:33.

Watches Over Her Household

10, 11. What different facets of a capable wife does King Lemuel describe? (Consider separately.)

¹⁰ King Lemuel got good counsel from his mother about the qualities of an ideal wife. (Proverbs 31:1) Her description of the hard-working wife and mother at Proverbs 31:10-31 is well worth reading carefully. She obviously had experience in applying God’s righteous principles and in showing deep respect.

¹¹ Lemuel writes that the “capable wife” is trustworthy, reliable, and loyal. (Proverbs 31 Verses 10-12) She works hard to feed and care for her husband and children. (Proverbs 31 Verses 13-19, 21, 24) She is kind and charitable to those in genuine need. (Proverbs 31 Verse 20) By her respect and fine conduct, she adds to her husband’s good reputation. (Proverbs 31 Verse 23) She is not an idle gossiper or a destructive critic. On the contrary, with her tongue she builds up and heals. (Proverbs 31 Verse 26) Because she is not lazy, she has a clean, orderly house. (Proverbs 31 Verse 27) (In fact, a Christian home should be one of the cleanest in the neighborhood.) Her husband and children show gratitude and praise her. Those outside the family also appreciate her qualities. (Proverbs 31 Verses 28, 29, 31) Her beauty is not skin-deep; it is the beauty of a God-fearing woman with a godly personality.​—Proverbs 31 Verse 30.

A Quiet and Mild Spirit

12. What is of “great value in the eyes of God,” and how does a Spanish proverb highlight this point?

¹² This last point is echoed by Peter when he counsels the Christian woman not to pay excessive attention to her outward appearance. He urges: “Let [your adornment] be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.” (1 Peter 3:3, 4) Notice the point that ‘the quiet and mild spirit is of great value in the eyes of God.’ Thus, the Christian wife and mother who has such a spirit is not only pleasing her husband but, more importantly, she is pleasing God, as did faithful women of ancient times. This inner beauty is also reflected in the Spanish saying: “A beautiful woman pleases the eyes; a good woman pleases the heart. If the former is a jewel, the latter is a treasure.”

13. What refreshing effect can a wife have on her children?

¹³ A Christian wife can be refreshing to all in her household. (Compare Matthew 11:28-30.) As the children observe her respect for her husband, they will reflect that respect in their dealings with their parents and those outside the family. As a consequence, Christian children will be kind and considerate. And how refreshing when children volunteer to do chores rather than having to be prodded to get them done! Their unselfishness contributes to the happiness of the home, and a mother’s smile of approval is ample payment.

14. The need for discipline may lead to what challenge?

¹⁴ But what about times when discipline is needed? Like their parents, children make mistakes. Sometimes they are disobedient. How will a Christian mother react if the father is absent? Will she continue to respect the dignity of their children? Or will she scream and rant in an attempt to get their obedience? Well, does a child learn from the volume of the voice? Or would a quiet, reasoning voice have greater effect?​—Ephesians 4:31, 32.

15. What have researchers found regarding the obedience of children?

¹⁵ Commenting on the obedience of children, the magazine Psychology Today stated: “According to a recent study, the louder you tell kids not to do something, the more likely it is that they’ll turn around and do exactly what you don’t want them to do.” On the other hand, researchers have found that when adults speak softly, children tend to obey without much hesitation. Of course, it is especially important to reason with a child rather than exasperate him with endless dogmatic commands.​—Ephesians 6:4; 1 Peter 4:8.

Respect in the Physical Relationship

16. How can a wife show consideration for her husband’s emotional needs, and with what benefit?

¹⁶ Just as a husband should show consideration for his wife because she is of a more delicate constitution, so a wife should recognize her husband’s emotional and sexual needs. The Bible indicates that a man and his wife should take delight in each other and satisfy each other. That requires sensitivity to each other’s needs and moods. This mutual satisfaction will also help to ensure that neither partner has a wandering eye that could lead to a wandering body.​—Proverbs 5:15-20.

17. How should a husband and wife view the rendering of the marital due?

¹⁷ Certainly, where there is mutual respect, neither partner would use sexual needs as a psychological weapon. Each should render the marriage due to the other, and if there is temporary abstinence, it should be by mutual consent. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5) For example, sometimes a husband might be away on temporary construction work at the local branch office of the Watch Tower Society or some other theocratic project. In that case he should be sure that he has his wife’s wholehearted consent. Such a separation can also bring spiritual blessings to the family, that is, in the form of encouraging experiences related by the husband after returning home.

Important Role of the Sisters

18. Why does an elder’s wife bear a greater responsibility?

¹⁸ Where a Christian woman’s husband is an elder, she has a greater responsibility. First, the demands are greater on him. He is answerable to Jehovah for the spiritual state of the congregation. (Hebrews 13:17) But as the wife of an elder and perhaps an older woman herself, her respectful example is also vital. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:9, 10; Titus 2:3-5.) And what a fine example most elders’ wives set in support of their husbands! Often, the husband has to be away attending to congregational matters, and maybe her curiosity is aroused. Loyally, however, a godly wife does not pry into congregation affairs like a busybody.​—1 Peter 4:15.

19. What might ‘presiding over a household’ involve for an elder?

¹⁹ However, an elder might have to counsel his wife if she displays attitudes that are not upbuilding or if she does not set a good example for other sisters. ‘Presiding over a household in a fine manner’ involves not just the children but also the wife. Applying this Scriptural standard might test the humility of some wives.​—1 Timothy 3:4, 5, 11; Hebrews 12:11.

20. Mention some fine examples of married and unmarried sisters in ancient and modern times. (See “Life Stories of Jehovah’s Witnesses” in the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985.)

²⁰ Unmarried sisters can also reflect on the respectful role of wives in the congregation. There are so many good examples of fine, faithful sisters, both in the Scriptures and in the congregations today! Dorcas, probably a single sister, was highly commended for her “good deeds.” (Acts 9:36-42) Prisca and Phoebe were also zealous for the truth. (Romans 16:1-4) Likewise today, many of our sisters, married or single, are outstanding missionaries, pioneers, and publishers. At the same time, such godly women keep clean, orderly homes and never neglect their families. Because of their numbers and circumstances, they often do the greater part of the preaching work.​—Psalm 68:11.

21. How are faithful sisters an encouragement to their Christian brothers?

²¹ Faithful sisters in the congregation play a vital upbuilding role. Their zeal and example are an encouragement to the brothers and to the Christian congregation in general. They are truly complements and helpers. (Compare Genesis 2:18.) What genuine love and respect they deserve! And for Christian marriage mates, appropriate, indeed, is Paul’s counsel: “Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband.”​—Ephesians 5:33.

Do You Recall?

◻ What were God’s original roles for perfect man and woman?

◻ How might unbelieving husbands be won over to the truth?

◻ What are the outstanding qualities of a capable wife?

◻ How can a Christian wife manifest ‘a quiet and mild spirit’?

◻ What balance is required in the physical relationship between spouses?