What Does The Bible Say About Husbands?

Marriage can be hard work, but the Bible offers wisdom for husbands seeking to love their wives well. This comprehensive guide examines biblical principles, commands, and examples regarding the role and responsibilities of a Godly husband.

The Role and Responsibilities of a Husband

The Husband as Head and Spiritual Leader

The Bible teaches that the husband is the head of the wife and the spiritual leader of the home (Ephesians 5:23). This does not mean he is to be a dictator, but rather that he bears primary responsibility for the spiritual state of the home.

He is to lead by example – by modeling godliness, humility, and self-sacrificial love (1 Peter 3:7).

Specifically, Scripture calls husbands to:

• Love, honor and be faithful to his wife (Ephesians 5:25, Hebrews 13:4)
• Serve his wife by caring for her needs (Ephesians 5:25, Philippians 2:3-4)
• Provide for the financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of his family (1 Timothy 5:8)
• Parent his children with wisdom and grace, teaching them God’s ways (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
• Seek intimacy with his wife and meet her needs (1 Corinthians 7:3)

Loving His Wife Sacrificially

A husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). This means loving her sacrificially – being willing to lay down his own life for her sake. He is to treat her with the utmost care, respect, honor, and tenderness (1 Peter 3:7).

This type of love requires patience, kindness, humility, and a spirit of service (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). It means bearing with her faults and weaknesses rather than criticizing them. It involves cherishing her as his precious partner and friend.

Research shows that husbands who express affection, respect, appreciation, and commitment have happier marriages. In a 2022 survey by the National Marriage Project, 93% of happily married husbands said they kissed their spouse first thing in the morning, compared to just 67% of husbands in unhappy marriages.

Small acts of consideration and tenderness go a long way!

Leading His Family

A husband’s leadership of his home involves more than just spiritual guidance. He is responsible for the overall vision and direction of the family, and for making wise decisions on their behalf. This requires boldness, courage, and a willingness to accept the burden of responsibility.

Areas in which a husband should exercise loving leadership include:

• Establishing family priorities and values (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
• Making major financial decisions (Proverbs 21:5)
• Resolving conflicts in a gracious manner (Proverbs 15:1)
• Protecting and providing for his family (1 Timothy 5:8)
• Caring for his wife’s physical and emotional needs (1 Peter 3:7)
• Disciplining the children wisely (Ephesians 6:4)
• Guarding his home against spiritual attack (1 Peter 5:8)

God does not call men to lead through control or domination. Rather, they are to model the servant leadership of Christ, who laid down His rights and gave Himself for others (Mark 10:42-45).

Biblical Commands for Husbands

Love Your Wife

The Bible clearly states that husbands should love their wives. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This means husbands should be willing to sacrificially give of themselves to meet their wives’ needs.

Such love requires understanding, patience, kindness, and selflessness on the part of the husband.

Be Considerate

Along with loving their wives, husbands are told to be considerate as they live with their wives. As 1 Peter 3:7 explains, husbands should treat their wives with respect as the “weaker partner.” This means being thoughtful of their needs, showing them honor, and not taking advantage of them.

Treat Her With Respect

The Bible warns husbands not to be harsh or hurtful in their treatment of their wives. Colossians 3:19 states, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” They are not to act bitterly toward them or treat them in demeaning or unkind ways.

God calls husbands to nurture, cherish, and appreciate their wives.

Be Faithful

Lastly, the Bible makes it clear husbands must be faithful in their marriage relationship. According to Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure. “ Husbands are to devote themselves fully to their wives in intimacy and be faithful in body, mind and spirit.

Biblical Examples of Godly Husbands

Abraham

Abraham is one of the most prominent biblical examples of a godly husband. He was faithful to his wife Sarah even when times were difficult. For instance, God called Abraham to leave his homeland and travel to an unknown place. Despite the uncertainty, Abraham obeyed God’s calling.

His willingness to follow God’s leading showed his devotion and care for Sarah as her husband (Genesis 12:1-9). Even when they struggled with infertility, Abraham did not lose faith. He trusted God would provide and protect them.

Abraham’s respect for Sarah is also seen when he refers to her as his sister to prevent harm to her when they travel to foreign lands (Genesis 20:1-18). Overall, Abraham’s faith in God and loving treatment of his wife Sarah truly make him an outstanding model for husbands.

Isaac

Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, also serves as a biblical example of a godly husband. After the death of his mother Sarah, Abraham arranged for Isaac to be married to Rebekah (Genesis 24). Isaac loved and cared for Rebekah, bringing her comfort after the loss of her own mother (Genesis 24:67).

He remained faithful to Rebekah, not taking other wives like some men did during that time. When struggles arose between them over their twin sons, Isaac did not retaliate against Rebekah or dismiss her concerns. Instead, he prayed for her during her difficult pregnancy (Genesis 25:21-26).

Even though Isaac made mistakes at times, he sought to follow God’s guidance for his life and marriage. His commitment to Rebekah models how a husband should prioritize his wife.

Boaz

As told in the book of Ruth, Boaz proves to be a godly husband to Ruth. He demonstrates integrity and kindness in his care for Ruth, a widow who returned to Bethlehem with her also widowed mother-in-law Naomi.

Boaz allows Ruth to glean grain from his fields, providing food for her and Naomi (Ruth 2:1-23). He also protects Ruth from harm. When given the opportunity to marry Ruth as her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz blesses her and takes her as his wife (Ruth 3-4).

Their marriage produces a son who is the grandfather of the future King David. Boaz honored God through his respect and protection of Ruth. His treatment of her shows the type of love, concern, and commitment godly husbands should have for their wives.

How to Become a Godly Husband

Cultivate Your Relationship with God

The foundation of being a godly husband is having a strong relationship with God. Here are some tips for cultivating your faith:

• Spend time reading the Bible each day and praying to grow closer to God.
• Attend church regularly for worship, teaching, and fellowship.
• Find a men’s Bible study group for encouragement and accountability.
• Serve in church ministry to use your gifts and bless others.
• Talk about God and spiritual things with your wife.

As you pursue an intimate walk with Jesus, you’ll be empowered to follow His model for marriage and become the husband He desires you to be.

Lead Your Family Spiritually

A primary calling of a godly husband is to provide spiritual leadership in the home. Here are some ideas:

• Initiate and lead times of family prayer, Bible study, and worship.
• Make decisions for your family based on biblical principles.
• Teach your children about God at every opportunity.
• Model integrity, godly character, and sincere faith for your wife and kids.
• Seek wisdom from the Bible, godly mentors, and the Holy Spirit.

As head of your household, the choices and example you set are vital for directing your family in the ways of the Lord.

Love Your Wife Selflessly

One of the most important duties as a husband is to love and cherish your wife. The Bible calls men to lay down their lives sacrificially for their wives, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). What does this look like practically?

• Make meeting her needs and desires a top priority.
• Serve, support, and encourage her in all areas of life.
• Be a listener, forgiver, helper, and friend.
• Speak words of praise, appreciation, and affection.
• Protect her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Loving your wife selflessly demonstrates Christ’s love and transforms marriage into a beautiful reflection of the gospel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers clear principles and commands regarding a husband’s duty to love, lead, protect, and cherish his wife. By following biblical models of servant leadership, cultivating his spiritual life, and selflessly loving his bride, a man can become the Godly husband described in Scripture.