1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
Wives and Husbands
7 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.
There are
two perspectives to read this, and it should be read from a perspective of honoring your wife as a gift from God. Many women have a problem with Peter referring to women as “the weaker vessel.” The Lutheran Study Bible from Concordia Publishing
House explains the passage: “Some feminist interpreters have taken offense at this expression. However, the apostle actually chooses his wording to express care, not disrespect, for women. Physically, women are typically smaller in size and weaker in
strength, which could make them vulnerable to abuse. Peter admonishes husbands not to exploit their size and strength in unkind ways. Husband and wife complement each other in God’s design.”
I pray:
O Lord, help me to love and honor my wife, to not exploit her... but to complement each other. Bless our marriage and help us to be forgiving of each other and to build our marriage grounded on Jesus Christ. Amen.