AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES | Part II |

Описание: A family is an organization, and to operate smoothly, it needs a head. Even Jesus has One he submits to as his Head. “The head of the Christ is God,” just as “the head of a woman is the man.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) Jesus’ submission to God’s headship is a fine example, since all of us have a head to whom we must submit.

What attitude is a wife to have toward her husband, and what may be the effect of her conduct?

Imperfect men make mistakes and often fall far short of being ideal family heads. So, what should a wife do? She should not belittle what her husband does or try to take over his headship. A wife does well to remember that in God’s view, a quiet and mild spirit is of great value. (1 Peter 3:4) By displaying such a spirit, she will find it easier to demonstrate godly subjection, even under trying circumstances. Furthermore, the Bible says: “The wife should have deep respect for her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33) But what if he does not accept Christ as his Head? The Bible urges wives: “Be in subjection to your husbands, so 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 3:1, 2.

Why is it not wrong for a wife to express her opinions respectfully?
Whether her husband is a fellow believer or not, a wife is not showing disrespect if she tactfully expresses an opinion that differs from his. Her viewpoint may be correct, and the whole family could benefit if he listened to her. Although Abraham did not agree when his wife, Sarah, recommended a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him: “Listen to her.” (Read Genesis 21:9-12.) Of course, when a husband makes a final decision that does not conflict with God’s law, his wife shows her subjection by supporting it.​—Acts 5:29; Ephesians 5:24.

Abraham listening to Sarah
What fine example did Sarah provide for wives?

What does Titus 2:4, 5 urge married women to do? (b) What does the Bible say about separation and divorce?

In fulfilling her role, a wife can do much in caring for the family. For example, the Bible shows that married women are “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, working at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands.” (Titus 2:4, 5) A wife and mother who acts in this way will gain the lasting love and respect of her family. (Read Proverbs 31:10, 28.) Since marriage is a union of imperfect individuals, however, some extreme circumstances may result in separation or divorce. The Bible allows for separation under certain circumstances. Yet, separation must not be taken lightly, for the Bible counsels: “A wife should not separate from her husband . . . , and a husband should not leave his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11) And only sexual immorality by one of the marriage mates provides Scriptural grounds for divorce.​—Matthew 19:9.