30 Bible Verses About Mistreating Your Wife (With Commentary)

Marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, and within it, husbands and wives are called to love, respect, and care for each other. The Bible offers clear guidance on how husbands should treat their wives, emphasizing love, honor, and understanding. Mistreating a wife is not only a violation of this sacred relationship but also displeases God. The Bible provides strong warnings and teachings against any form of mistreatment, calling husbands to reflect Christ’s love in their marriage. Here are 30 Bible verses about mistreating your wife, each with a brief commentary.

1. Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

This verse sets the standard for how a husband should treat his wife— with sacrificial love, just as Christ loves the church. It emphasizes that mistreating a wife is contrary to the selfless love that a husband is called to show.

2. 1 Peter 3:7

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

Peter instructs husbands to be considerate and respectful toward their wives, recognizing their value as co-heirs of God’s grace. Mistreating a wife not only harms the relationship but also hinders a husband’s spiritual life.

3. Colossians 3:19

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

This verse directly addresses the need for gentleness in marriage. It teaches that harshness or mistreatment is unacceptable in a loving relationship, urging husbands to treat their wives with kindness and compassion.

4. Malachi 2:14-16

“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”

Malachi condemns the mistreatment of wives through unfaithfulness, highlighting that God values the marriage covenant. This passage warns husbands to be faithful and to honor their commitments, reflecting God’s faithfulness in their relationships.

5. Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

This verse emphasizes the value of a wife as a blessing from God. Mistreating a wife is a failure to recognize and appreciate the good gift that God has provided, showing ingratitude for His favor.

6. Ephesians 5:28

“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”

Paul teaches that husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies, implying that any form of mistreatment is self-destructive. A husband who loves his wife is actually loving himself, fostering a healthy and harmonious relationship.

7. Proverbs 31:10-12

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

This passage praises the value of a virtuous wife and the positive impact she has on her husband. It encourages husbands to appreciate and cherish their wives, recognizing their worth and contributions to the marriage.

8. 1 Corinthians 7:3

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

This verse emphasizes the mutual responsibilities in marriage, highlighting the importance of meeting each other’s needs with love and respect. Mistreating a wife by neglecting her needs violates the mutual care that marriage requires.

9. Genesis 2:24

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

This foundational verse about marriage underscores the unity between husband and wife. Mistreating a wife disrupts this God-given unity and goes against the intended harmony and oneness of the marriage relationship.

10. Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”

This verse encourages husbands to cherish and enjoy life with their wives. It reminds us that mistreating a wife is a failure to embrace the joy and companionship that God intends for marriage.

11. Matthew 19:6

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Jesus speaks to the permanence and sanctity of marriage. Mistreating a wife threatens the unity that God has established, and it goes against the divine purpose of marriage as a lifelong, loving partnership.

12. 1 Timothy 5:8

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Paul highlights the importance of providing for one’s family, which includes emotional and spiritual support. Mistreating a wife by failing to care for her needs denies the basic responsibilities of a husband, damaging the foundation of the family.

13. Song of Solomon 4:9-10

“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!”

This verse from the Song of Solomon reflects the deep love and affection that should characterize a marriage. It encourages husbands to express love and admiration for their wives, rather than mistreating them with neglect or harshness.

14. Proverbs 5:18-19

“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”

This verse celebrates the joy and intimacy of marriage. It reminds husbands to find satisfaction and delight in their wives, fostering a relationship of mutual love and respect, rather than one marked by mistreatment.

15. Hebrews 13:4

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage and maintaining purity. Mistreating a wife through infidelity or dishonoring the marriage bed is a grave offense that brings judgment from God.

16. Psalm 128:3

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”

This verse highlights the blessings of a fruitful and harmonious marriage. It encourages husbands to nurture and support their wives, recognizing the joy and prosperity that comes from a loving and respectful relationship.

17. Proverbs 12:4

“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”

This verse underscores the value of a virtuous wife, likening her to a crown for her husband. It teaches that mistreating a wife devalues this precious relationship, leading to dishonor and harm for both husband and wife.

18. Matthew 5:28

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Jesus addresses the issue of lust and infidelity, warning that even thoughts can be sinful. This verse teaches that mistreating a wife through unfaithfulness, even in the heart, is a serious offense that violates the sanctity of marriage.

19. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Paul’s description of love serves as a blueprint for how husbands should treat their wives. It teaches that mistreatment is incompatible with the love that God calls us to show, which is patient, kind, and always seeks the good of the other.

20. 1 Corinthians 7:33

“But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife.”

Paul acknowledges the responsibilities of a husband, emphasizing the importance of pleasing his wife. This verse teaches that mistreating a wife by neglecting her needs or desires is a failure to fulfill the duties of marriage.

21. Ephesians 5:33

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

This verse reinforces the command for husbands to love their wives as they love themselves. Mistreating a wife contradicts this command, as it reflects a lack of love and care for one’s own well-being, as well as the well-being of the marriage.

22. Titus 2:6-7

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”

Paul’s advice to young men includes the call for self-control and setting a good example. This verse teaches that mistreating a wife reflects a lack of self-control and integrity, undermining the role of a husband as a leader in the family.

23. Genesis 24:67

“Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”

This verse describes Isaac’s love for Rebekah, highlighting the comfort and support that should characterize a marriage. It encourages husbands to love and care for their wives, providing emotional support and companionship.

24. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

While this verse addresses the broader Christian community, its principles apply to marriage as well. It teaches that husbands should build up and encourage their wives, rather than tearing them down through mistreatment.

25. Deuteronomy 24:5

“If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.”

This verse underscores the importance of nurturing the marriage relationship, especially in its early stages. It teaches that husbands should prioritize their wives’ happiness and well-being, dedicating time and effort to strengthen their bond.

26. Proverbs 19:14

“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

This verse recognizes a wise and prudent wife as a gift from the Lord. It teaches that mistreating such a gift is not only ungrateful but also dishonors the provision and blessing that God has given.

27. Luke 6:31

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

The Golden Rule applies to all relationships, including marriage. This verse teaches that husbands should treat their wives with the same respect and kindness they desire, fostering a loving and equitable partnership.

28. Ruth 1:16

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'”

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the loyalty and dedication that should be present in marriage. While this verse speaks of Ruth’s devotion, it encourages husbands to show the same unwavering commitment and loyalty to their wives, never mistreating them.

29. James 1:19-20

“My dear brothers and isisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

James advises believers to be patient and slow to anger. This verse teaches that husbands should exercise restraint and patience in their interactions with their wives, avoiding the anger and harsh words that lead to mistreatment.

30. Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, qualities that should be evident in every Christian’s life, including in marriage. This verse teaches that mistreating a wife is contrary to the Spirit’s work in our lives, which produces love, kindness, and gentleness in all our relationships.

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