What Does The Bible Say About A Man Making A Woman Cry
The Bible has a lot to say about how men should treat women. Specifically when it comes to the sensitive topic of a man’s actions causing a woman to cry.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible teaches that men should treat women with kindness, respect, and self-sacrificial love. Causing a woman to cry through harshness or indifference is sinful.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore various bible verses that address this question along with analysis and commentary.
Old Testament Verses
Genesis 3:16 – The Curse of Sin Leading to Marital Strife
After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God pronounced a curse on the woman saying “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee” (Genesis 3:16).
This verse indicates that as a result of the Fall, marital relationships would now be characterized by tension and strife.
The woman would desire her husband, yet he would rule over her harshly. Sin damages marital unity and opens the door to spousal mistreatment and abuse.
Many Bible scholars believe this verse helps explain why domestic violence occurs even among God’s people.
They argue that the effects of the Curse mean that some men will be prone to dominate their wives harshly rather than lovingly lead.
As a result, some women will be oppressed, miserable, and brought to tears through spousal cruelty. However, while the Fall brought strife to marriage, believers can find comfort and hope in the Bible’s teachings on how marriage is intended to function.
Malachi 2:13-16 – God Hates Divorce and the Tears it Causes
In the book of Malachi, God chastises the men of Israel for dealing treacherously with their wives and causing them to weep.
Malachi 2:13 states, “And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.”
Here God rebukes the men for their marital unfaithfulness which brought such anguish that their wives’ weeping and tears covered the altar of sacrifice.
Verse 14 reminds them that their wives were their companions and wives of covenant. Yet in verse 15, God declares “But did He not make them one…? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.”
This emphasizes that the oneness of marriage is meant to produce godly children, so they should not break faith with their wives.
Finally, verse 16 pronounces God’s hatred of divorce: “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
New Testament Teachings on How Men Should Treat Women
Ephesians 5:25-29 – Husbands Should Love Their Wives Sacrificially
The apostle Paul instructed husbands to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
This means husbands should be willing to sacrifice their own interests and desires to do what is best for their wives, even to the point of giving up their lives if necessary (Ephesians 5:25).
Husbands are called to nurture and cherish their wives, caring for them sacrificially as they would their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28-29). This teaching revolutionized the way women were to be treated in the Christian home.
Colossians 3:19 – Husbands Should Not Be Harsh With Their Wives
Paul cautioned husbands against treating their wives harshly. Sadly, domestic abuse has been far too common through history, but the Bible clearly prohibits this.
Wives are not to be treated as objects, but as fellow heirs of eternal life (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands must control their anger and treat their wives with understanding and respect as their equals before God.
1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands Called to Treat Wives With Understanding
Peter also exhorted husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, honoring them as the weaker vessel and fellow heirs of the grace of life.
Husbands are not to look down on their wives as inferior but recognize that women generally have less physical strength.
God created both male and female in His image and they are equals before Him (Genesis 1:27). This requires understanding on the husband’s part.
Biblical Consequences for Making Women Cry
God Hears the Cries of the Oppressed
The Bible makes it clear that God cares deeply for those who are oppressed and mistreated. In Exodus 3:7, God says, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.”
This shows that the cries of the oppressed do not go unheard by God. He is aware of their pain and wants to bring deliverance.
In James 5:4, the Bible warns those who have mistreated and underpaid their workers, saying, “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” God hears when people cry out under oppression and injustice.
As Psalm 9:9 declares, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
The book of Psalms contains many verses voicing the cries of the oppressed and affirming God’s care for them (Psalm 10:17-18, 12:5, 18:6, 34:17-19, 35:10). God promises to be near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
So when men cause women to cry through abusive words or actions, God takes notice.
Judgment for Unrepentant Abusers
Though God is patient and compassionate, the Bible warns that there will be judgment for those who persist in oppressing others and do not repent.
Jesus said he came to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18).
So delivering people from oppression is central to Christ’s mission.
God despises haughty eyes, lying tongues, hands that shed innocent blood, and hearts that devise wicked schemes (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Men who continually crush a woman’s spirit through emotional, verbal or physical abuse risk incurring God’s wrath if they remain unrepentant.
Romans 2:5-9 cautions that God’s righteous judgment will come to those who persist in evil and do not obey the truth.
The book of James speaks strongly against oppressing others, saying, “The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you…You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter” (James 5:4-5).
This serves as a sobering warning to bullies and abusers.
Ultimately, Jesus says he will tell those who failed to show love and compassion to others, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
But the good news is, repentance and forgiveness are available to all who turn from abusive ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible clearly teaches men have a duty to treat women with sacrificial, gentle love. Making women cry through cruelty, manipulation or indifference is a grievous sin in God’s eyes that can lead to judgment if unrepentant.
Men must strive through God’s power to uphold His standards for healthy relationships that value women as fellow heirs of eternal life.
