1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) — Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an
understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they
are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be
hindered.
NOTE: Two things
stand out to me in this passage. First, men are called to understand your wife.
Wow, that is not easy. Understanding anyone is difficult but especially the
opposite sex, and for a man, especially a wife. Understanding requires active
listening, but not just her words, but also her emotions, her non-verbal
communications, and her thoughts. A man doesn't need to think about these
things as much in dealing with other men, at least that has been my experience.
I do know there are exceptions but they seem few. The second point is the
comment on weaker vessel. Constable writes,
Both the husband and the wife are vessels, but husbands are more typically similar to iron skillets whereas wives resemble china vases, being more delicate. They are equally important but different.
Again, many would
probably disagree, but in my experience (sample size of 2 - wife and a
daughter), I would agree. It is considerably easier to damage a woman through
our words than a man. I guess this means I'm a sexist pig, or that I am exactly
right and our culture wants to hide God's truth from our knowledge.
PRAYER: Father, help
me to truly listen to my wife and understand her. I want her to know that I
care for her, that I love her, and that she is very special to me.
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