So, many times, men, we give some kind of a harsh response when what’s needed is a hug.  They’re hurting, maybe confused, maybe bruised from other things you’ve said or done in the past.  And now here we’re using that same tone of voice, and we’re bringing up a subject that was supposed to be in the sea of forgetfulness.  As we’re dwelling with them and coming to that understanding of who this creature is, it’s to be done with patience and kindness and gentleness, as we see further down in these verses, but how vital it is.

It’s interesting, and you’re never going to get there fully because here in tense the word implies to us a “continuous coming to know.”  It’s not like, “Okay, mark it off the list.  I now know my wife.”  No, it’s continuously coming to know.  It’s progressive, so you’re never going to figure it out.  And how can a male mind comprehend a female mind in the first place?  We’re coming from two separate positions.  But, I think, maybe the most important part of this word is in the next rendering.  I love this phrasing, here, as you look at the Greek.  It’s “an obsession to know or learn more,” as we continue to communicate on an increasing level.  But that word is so important, “an obsession.”  Husbands love your wives, an obsession.  Husbands love your wives.  Continue to pursue your wives, how vital that aspect of it is.  He goes on and said, “In this relationship, show honor to your wife, honor them as the weaker vessel.”  That word weaker in the Greek, talks about “being strengthless” or “without power.”  How does that relate to us in the context?  We’ve talked about that before.

Women, here, are not inferior in any way to those that might have this macho mind or chauvinistic thought processes.  Our wives are not inferior to us in any way.  Our wives are not chattel.  They’re precious daughters of God bought with the blood of Jesus Christ.  We have no right abusing them or taking advantage of them in any way because God has ordained and commanded a subordinate role.  They should be admired for that; amen?  That’s what the word honour means, “to place the proper value upon” your wife.  Do you value your wife?  Do you understand what that role requires?  As we’ve said before, you know the toughest thing they have to deal with in their lives is you.  They are told to subordinate to you.  They are told that when you speak, men, they’ve heard from God.  We’re not saying that every decision the husband makes is received by divine revelation and is infallible.  We’re just saying it’s in proper order.

You’re hearing from God, because this is the order that He set up and ordained.  I would encourage you then, ladies, pray for your husbands; amen?  If you’re going to have to submit and obey, then I would be praying for them.  “Lord, make him way smarter than he is today.  Father, help him to war against principalities and powers.  Protect my husband from these demonic attacks and give him wisdom, give him strength.”  Ladies, isn’t your role to have your desire towards your husband?  Ladies, we surely don’t go around demeaning our husbands.  We don’t go around holding grudges against decisions they’ve made that may not have turned out the best.  But we move in a heart of humility and love and seek this reconciliation, because we are, in fact, one, if we can remain in that attitude.