What the Bible Says About Being a Wife: A Guide to Respect and Boundaries (2024)

Introduction

The Bible offers valuable insights into the role of a wife in a marriage. It emphasizes respect, boundaries, and love as foundational principles for a healthy and fulfilling marital relationship. This article explores these concepts in detail, providing guidance and practical advice based on biblical teachings.

Respect and Boundaries

Understanding Respect

Respect involves granting individuals the freedom to express themselves while maintaining self-respect and enforcing appropriate boundaries. God's notion of freedom allows individuals to exercise their choices but emphasizes the consequences of those actions on one's relationship with Him.

Disagreeing Respectfully

Disagreement is not synonymous with disrespect. Constructive disagreement, like the sharpening of iron, can foster personal growth. Respect involves focusing solely on one's own decisions, refraining from controlling others. Individuals have the power to protect themselves and their children from the consequences of others' choices.

Mutual Respect in Marriage

God's instructions regarding wifely behavior are inseparable from the responsibilities of husbands to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25-27). Respect should not be demanded at the expense of a husband's obligation to prioritize his wife's well-being.

Self-Interest and Boundaries

Philippians 2:3,4 and Self-Interest

While Philippians 2:3,4 advocates for valuing others and prioritizing their interests, it should not be misconstrued as self-denial or enabling abusive behavior. Implementing boundaries and consequences, even if they result in separation, can be an act of love and care for oneself and the other party.

1 Peter 3 and Christian Living

1 Peter 3 must be understood within its broader context. Peter emphasizes the importance of Christian conduct, including respectful submission and consideration between spouses. Submission is not blind obedience but a response to a husband's compassionate and respectful leadership.

Sarah and Abraham's Example

Sarah's submission to Abraham should not be isolated from the context of her personal relationship with God. Her obedience was rooted in her faith and trust in God, not in a blanket obligation to submit to all men.

Bible Verses on Being a Good Wife and Marriage

Proverbs 31:11-12: "She is worth far more than rubies; her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it."

Titus 2:5: "They must teach the young women to love their husbands and children, to live wisely and chastely, to be homemakers, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that God's word may not be blasphemed."

1 Timothy 3:11: "In the same way, their wives must be women of dignity, not malicious gossips, but temperate, trustworthy in everything."

Genesis 2:24: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Titus 2:3-5: "Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train 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 own husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Colossians 3:18: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

Ephesians 5:33: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Bible Verses on Love

1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

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."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7: "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame."

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."

Colossians 3:14: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Romans 13:8: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."

1 Corinthians 13:2: "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."

Psalm 143:8: "Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Proverbs 3:3-4: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

1 Peter 4:8: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

The Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of a wife in a marriage. Respect, boundaries, and love are essential elements for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. By embracing these principles, wives can create a strong foundation for their marriage and contribute to the overall well-being of their family and their own.

Respect and Boundaries

• Respect:

  • Grant individuals freedom of expression
  • Maintain self-respect
  • Enforce appropriate boundaries

• Disagreeing Respectfully:

  • Disagreement doesn't imply disrespect
  • Focus on personal decisions
  • Protect oneself and loved ones from consequences of others' choices

• Mutual Respect in Marriage:

  • Husband's responsibility to love his wife
  • Respect shouldn't compromise wife's well-being

• Philippians 2:3,4 and Self-Interest:

  • Value others, but prioritize self
  • Implement boundaries and consequences to protect oneself

• 1 Peter 3 and Christian Living:

  • Submission in marriage involves respectful leadership
  • Submission isn't blind obedience

• Sarah and Abraham:

  • Sarah's submission wasn't blanket obedience
  • Rooted in faith and trust in God

Frequently Asked Questions about What the Bible Says About Being a Wife

What does the Bible say about respect and boundaries in marriage?

Respect involves giving individuals the freedom to express themselves, while maintaining self-respect and setting appropriate boundaries. God's notion of freedom allows individuals to exercise their choices, but emphasizes the consequences of those actions on one's relationship with Him.

How should wives disagree respectfully with their husbands?

Disagreement is not synonymous with disrespect. Constructive disagreement, like the sharpening of iron, can foster personal growth. Respect involves focusing solely on one's own decisions, refraining from controlling others. Individuals have the power to protect themselves and their children from the consequences of others' choices.

What does the Bible say about mutual respect in marriage?

God's instructions regarding wifely behavior are inseparable from the responsibilities of husbands to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25-27). Respect should not be demanded at the expense of a husband's obligation to prioritize his wife's well-being.

How should wives apply Philippians 2:3,4 in their behavior?

While Philippians 2:3,4 advocates for valuing others and prioritizing their interests, it should not be misconstrued as self-denial or enabling abusive behavior. Implementing boundaries and consequences, even if they result in separation, can be an act of love and care for oneself and the other party.

What is the context of 1 Peter 3 and how does it apply to Christian living?

1 Peter 3 must be understood within its broader context. Peter emphasizes the importance of Christian conduct, including respectful submission and consideration between spouses. Submission is not blind obedience but a response to a husband's compassionate and respectful leadership.

How should wives understand Sarah's submission to Abraham?

Sarah's submission to Abraham should not be isolated from the context of her personal relationship with God. Her obedience was rooted in her faith and trust in God, not in a blanket obligation to submit to all men.