
Before discussing how husbands mistreat their wives, let’s first give husbands motivation that will discourage them from doing so. There are two important reasons husband should avoid mistreating their wives:
- First, because the primary command for husbands is to love their wives as Christ loves the church. The husband who wants to obey God treats his wife well.
- Second, because they want to have loving, godly, spiritual wives.
That [Christ] might sanctify and cleanse [the church] with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:26–27
Husbands Get the Wives They Prepare for Themselves
There is a tremendous truth contained in these words. Christ does what He does in verse 26—sanctifying and cleansing the church—so that He can obtain for Himself the glorious church, or bride, described in verse 27 that “has no spot or wrinkle but is holy and without blemish.” The simplest way to say it is: Christ gets the church He prepares for Himself.
Since this is a picture for husbands and wives, what else is the apostle Paul implying by this truth? Husbands get the wives they prepare for themselves. Wives respond well to love, holiness, and obedience to God’s Word. When husbands treat their wives:
- Forgivingly, lovingly, and tenderly, they will generally receive more forgiving, loving, and tender wives
- Unforgivingly, unlovingly, and harshly, they generally find themselves with wives who are less forgiving, loving, and tender
If a husband:
- Takes his wife to church
- Reads the Word with her
- Prays with her
- Helps her grow spiritually
He will receive a more spiritually mature wife. What kind of qualities will be produced as a result?
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23
Conversely, if a husband does not lead his wife spiritually he will receive a wife who is less spiritual. What is the opposite of spiritual? Fleshly. Here are just a few of the works of the flesh:
Hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, envy, even adultery.
Galatians 5:19–22
How many husbands see these works in their wives because they are poor spiritual leaders? How many wives might be more spiritually mature if their husbands were better spiritual leaders? Tragically, I have listened to some husbands talk terribly about their wives when in fact they have simply received the wives they prepared for themselves.
Husbands Reap What They Sow in Marriage
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7
The context of this verse is giving to the church, but the principle also applies to a husband’s relationship with his wife. Husbands generally reap what they sow in marriage. If husbands will invest in their wives and treat the well, if they will plant spiritual seeds of sanctification, they will reap what they have sown. Let’s summarize by keeping two truths in mind:
The good news is that God’s commands to husbands benefits them as much as it benefits their wives. A husband who treats his wife as God commands will bring great blessing to himself. This is why in the very next verse, Paul says:
He who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:28
First Peter 3:7 commands “husbands [to] live with [their] wives in an understanding way.” Two men in Scripture—Jacob and Elkanah—demonstrate what it looks like for husbands to disobey this command.
To learn what it looks like for husbands to mistreat their wives, watch the message I delivered at a Marriage God’s Way Conference, and/or read the blog post below…
Jacob’s Example of Mistreating His Wife
Jacob married two sisters, Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29:15–28), which in itself was part of the problem. You may ask why biblical patriarchs were allowed to have multiple wives, but polygamy in the Old Testament is descriptive, not prescriptive. It portrays the reality of that era but is not allowed for Christians today. We do not see God condoning polygamy, and whenever it took place in the Old Testament, it always caused serious problems. No biblical examples of polygamy are characterized by peace and harmony but rather by turmoil and strife.
Rachel was the more beautiful of the two sisters, and Jacob loved her the most (Genesis 29:17–20, 30). Seeing Jacob’s lack of love for Leah, however, God opened her womb and gave her a total of six sons and at least one daughter (Genesis 29:31–35). In that era, being infertile was a great shame for a woman, so you can imagine how Rachel was feeling:
Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!”
Genesis 30:1
Wives Mistreat Their Husbands When They Blame Them for Their Suffering
While we’re focusing on husbands, this account is instructive for wives as well. Not having any children might be terrible, but talking of dying because of it was rather melodramatic.
Second, consider whom Rachel holds responsible for her suffering—her husband. Was it really Jacob’s fault that she could not have any children? Clearly not since he had been able to have children with Leah. Instead of blaming Jacob, Rachel should have taken her problem in prayer to God.
Here is the application for wives. When you are:
- Suffering, do you hold your husband responsible?
- Upset, do you get upset with your husband?
- Having a bad day, do you make sure your husband—or the rest of your family—has a bad day, too?
Going back to Rachel, much of her anger stemmed from her sister Leah’s having children. Her anger was not motivated by something her husband had done but by her own sins: jealousy and discontentment. A wife reading this could ask herself: “Am I jealous of other women? Do I covet what they have? Am I discontent with my lot in life? Is it planting a root of bitterness in my heart as it did with Rachel?”
1. Husbands Mistreat Their Wives When They Respond in Anger
Despite Rachel’s outburst, Jacob had the opportunity to be a loving, sensitive husband. If he was familiar with 1 Peter 3:7, he should ask himself: “How can I dwell with my wife with understanding? How can I give honor to her, recognizing she is the weaker vessel? Part of her femininity is a desire to have children, so she has a reason to be upset. We are heirs together of the grace of life, so how would God have me treat her right now so my prayers will not be hindered? I know what I will say: ‘I am so sorry you have not been able to have any children. This must be really difficult. Let’s pray about this together.’” Instead:
And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Genesis 30:2
Other versions translate this even more strongly: “Jacob’s anger was kindled” (ESV). “Jacob’s anger burned” (NASB). Jacob’s words were true enough; he was not in control of whether his wife conceived and had children. But he was still wrong because of the way he responded.
When wives are upset and emotional, it can be tempting for husbands to get angry in return, but God commands “husbands [to] dwell with [our] wives with understanding.” A husband should consider why his wife is upset, show her compassion, and then pray with her and for her.
Elkanah’s Example of Mistreating His Wife
Elkanah also had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Similar to Jacob and his wives, Peninnah could have children, and Hannah could not, but what made Hannah’s situation even worse was Peninnah’s cruelty toward her:
[Hannah’s] rival (Peninnah) provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that [Peninnah] provoked her; therefore [Hannah] wept and did not eat.
1 Samuel 1:6-7
There is a difference and a similarity between Jacob and Elkanah. The difference is that while Jacob responded in anger, Elkanah tried to encourage his wife. The similarity is that, in the process, Elkanah ended up being as insensitive as Jacob:
“Then Elkanah her husband said to her, ‘Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?’”
1 Samuel 1:8
Husbands, when your wife is upset, do not use Elkanah as a model! In this one verse he made three common mistakes husbands make.
2. Husbands Mistreat Their Wives When They Ask Insensitive Questions
Elkanah gave the impression that his wife’s hurt was not legitimate. He knew good and well why Hannah felt this way—because she was unable to have children. He asked insensitive questions that gave the impression that his wife’s hurt was not legitimate.
3. Husbands Mistreat Their Wives When They Try to Cheer Them Up
Elkanah tried to cheer Hannah up:
Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Proverbs 25:20
Husbands should respond sympathetically by listening well and then saying, “I am so sorry. What can I do for you? Would you like me to pray for you, or read the Word with you?”
4. Husbands Mistreat Their Wives When They Respond in Pride
Elkanah made the king of all prideful statements: “Is not being married to me better than all the children you could have?”
What does it look like today for husbands to be like this? “You are one lucky lady. Think of all I do for you! Aren’t you glad you get to be married to me?”
As husbands, when our wives are upset, they want us to respond sensitively. This means responding to them gently and demonstrating compassion toward them when they’re upset.
Jacob and Elkanah were husbands who really did not understand their wives, as their terrible responses when Leah and Hannah were grieving demonstrate. Husbands, when our wives are upset, let’s make sure we do not respond to them like these men. Doing so ensures that we are disobeying 1 Peter 3:7.
Discussion Questions for Husbands and Wives
Husbands
- Do you feel like your wife holds you responsible when she’s suffering?
- Do you feel like your wife is content with what God has given her, or does she covet what other women have?
- Can you think of three times you responded to your wife in anger, and how you should have responded instead?
- Can you think of three times you responded to your wife in pride, and explain how you should have responded?
- Are you more tempted to respond to your wife in pride or anger? What triggers your response of either anger or pride?
Wives
- Do you hold your husband responsible for your suffering?
- Are you content with what God has given you, or do you covet what other women have?
- Can you think of three times you feel your husband responded to you in anger, and explain how you wish he would have responded?
- Can you think of three times you feel your husband responded to you in pride, and explain how you wish he would have responded?
- What can you do to help your husband avoid responding in pride or anger?

The material from this post is taken from my book, Marriage God’s Way, and the discussion questions from the accompanying workbook. Get your copies today!
I’m aware of a man who used to talk horribly about his wife. She was a very godly woman, spiritually mature, had all the qualities of Galatians 5:22-23. This man thought it was funny to make fun of her in public, which of course was not funny. Although, I understand what you are saying, “you reap what you sow,” sometimes there is a lot to be said about what men are seeing mentored in their family of origin. He would have done well to read this article, not because he needed to move his wife toward Christ, but because he himself needed to figure out what love looked like. Thanks for this thought provoking post.
Hi Bonny,
I’ve heard a number of men (and women) talk poorly about their spouse. It is very unfortunate. At least in the husband’s case it can sometimes be a reflection of poor spiritual leadership and failing to sanctify his wife.
I’m sorry to hear about a man talking about his wife as you described; I’m glad you feel like this post would’ve benefited him.
You said, “sometimes there is a lot to be said about what men are seeing mentored in their family of origin.” I completely agree with that; we often treat our spouse the way we saw our parents treat each other, and we often expect to be treated the way we saw our parents treat each other. I discussed this topic somewhat in my last post on generational curses. If you’re interested in checking it out I’d be glad to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Wow! I had not ruminated on the topic in the past, but can see it having played out in so many marriages.
Thankfully, we can change. However, a husband finally becoming the spiritual head of the home isn’t going to gain the spiritual wife overnight. And, a spiritual wife can (through her example and prayer) can help a husband find his way.
Hi Laura,
Yes, I agree, even the best spiritual leadership won’t change a woman overnight.
You said, “a spiritual wife can (through her example and prayer) can help a husband find his way.” This seems to be exactly what Scripture recommends in 1 Peter 3:1-2:
That’s such a good observation! I do believe we each have a responsibility to continue to treat others how we want to be treated no matter how they are treating us but at the same time, I believe what you are saying is so true. If a husband cultivates a spiritual relationship, it will grow and get stronger for both the husband and the wife. What a blessing that would be!
Hi Kristi,
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Yes, there’s definitely a balance, but as you mentioned that husband’s spiritual “cultivation” in the marriage can truly bless the relationship.
This is an interesting topic, especially when considering marriages I’m familiar with (including my own!). I’m seeking God through His word with or without my husband, but his spiritual leadership is beneficial and welcomed when offered. I’m thankful that wives don’t have to wait on their husbands to grow closer to God themselves.
I know more couples with wives who are the more spiritually mature/active than vice versa. It’s not how God would have it, I know. But in the absence of a husbands spiritual leadership, many wives step up and disciple their children while trying to gracefully and respectfully pull their husbands along.
When both spouses are following God’s directions, they grow closer to each other and God. That’s His perfect design. I see this post as encouragement for men to step up and walk in God’s commands.
Hi Beka,
Right, wives don’t have to wait on their husbands to grow in their relationships with the Lord. There are plenty of women who have to apply 1 Peter 3:1-2 because they’re married to unbelievers:
You said, “I know more couples with wives who are the more spiritually mature/active than vice versa. It’s not how God would have it, I know. But in the absence of a husbands spiritual leadership, many wives step up and disciple their children while trying to gracefully and respectfully pull their husbands along.”
I’ve seen the same too. Sometimes it seems like there are more spiritually-minded women than men. Maybe God allows us to be this way so when a man is finally ready to lead spiritually he’ll have a wife ready to join him.
Yes, that is the way the post is meant—as an encouragement to men.
I so agree! I’m so thankful that my husband has learned to listen and sympathize with me. I appreciate his humble and caring spirit!
Hi Lexi,
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I’m glad your husband is strong in this area.
Hey Scott, I appreciated you unpacking this episode between Elkanah & Hannah. I’ve kind of glossed over it in the past, but you helped me slow down and process it in a fresh way. Nice job with the discussion questions, too.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I actually just finished reading your post (7 Signs Your Relationship Isn’t Marriage Material) and thought the same of your discussion questions.
God bless; thanks for your ministry!
Sounds like a good thing to discuss and communicate about as a couple.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I have always thought Elkanah misunderstand Hannah’s hurts but had never put it in the perspective. It’s very thought provoking and true.
These are great discussion points for couples.
Hi Kristi,
Yes, there are lots of other – sensitive and sympathetic – things Elkanah could’ve said at that time.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
This is an interesting perspective. Though it seems that Elkanah was simply trying to cheer Hannah up and help her to see some perspective, in truth, it was more like he was rubbing salt in a very open wound. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Elizabeth,
From counseling couples I’ve seen that wives often want their husbands to listen…versus cheer them up (aka “fix things”). My wife has made this clear too :). Elkanah seems to have been guilty of this!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Good insights from Hannah’s story. Your three points from Elkanah’s answers are right on target!
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for reading and commenting!