The Biblical Husband

Bill Brinkworth

Not have only women “come a long way, baby”, as an old ad boasted, but men also have come a long way. Unfortunately, the “long way” is downward; away from God and the way He wants them to live.

For millennia men knew their purpose and roles.  Now media, society, and social engineering have altered how husbands “should” function in a marriage.  Husbands are often confused as to how they should behave in relationships and often do not function the way God intended them to.

However, as far away as man has drifted, His Creator has still preserved the way he should live.  Without God’s way man will not be what He wants him to be.  Families and marriages will suffer, and the world will not function properly when the man is not living up to the way God desires of him.

Here is some of what the Bible teaches about the responsibilities, needs, and purposes of a husband:
Most men need a wife.
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Gen. 2:18
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” Pro. 18:22
“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” I Cor. 7:  This verse does not say they should have a ”trial” marriage, or “shack up” together.  They should marry to avoid sin!  Also: Pro. 19:14 and I Cor. 11:9.

When a man marries, he is of one flesh with his wife.  When one demeans or does not respect his wife, he is only hurting  himself; because the two are one in God’s eyes.
“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:23-24
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Eph. 5:31  Also: Mat. 19:4-5, Mark 10:7. Eph. 5:28-30, I Cor. 7:4.

Despite what the women “libbers” are forcing others to believe, man is supposed to be the head of the household.  Each sex is created differently, and each has their own strengths and abilities.  One sex is not better than another.  They are only different.

A man is physically stronger and is designed to protect his family and make decisions, although he is not to be a domineering bully to his other half.

A woman is certainly more compassionate, often more level-headed and is usually a sensible, loving part of a family, that the man cannot naturally provide. (Her strengths can be found in Pro. 31:13-28.)

A good marriage is not usually two of the same kind and strengths, but is often the merging of two different “halves” that make a stronger, more balanced whole.  One of the halves has strengths the other half does not have, and the other side has qualities that the other is weak in.  That is why, in a God-joined marriage, they are one flesh.
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” I Cor. 11:3
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Eph 5:22-24  Also: Col. 3:18.

Man is to love, respect, and treat his wife well!   She is his other half, and he should take good care of that part of him.
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence [showing kindness and good will]: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Cor. 7:3
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Col. 3: 19  Also: Pro. 5:18, Ecc. 9:9, Mark 10:7, I Peter 3:7, Eph. 5:25

A husband has the responsibility of providing for his family.
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” I Tim. 5:8

If married to an unsaved spouse, one should stay with them, if possible.  A godly spouse’s testimony and godly living may point the mate to salvation.
“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” I Cor. 7:16  Also: I Cor. 7:14.

 

Much of what the Bible tells a husband to do is either unknown or ignored today.  Man’s way in marriage relationships seldom work; that is most likely why 40-50% of marriages end in divorce (according to the American Psychological Association).

Marriage is often difficult, but it is an institution created by God.  He certainly knows what works and what does not.  He is not trying to deny any of having a good marriage, just the opposite.  A marriage will work if the husband and wife work together and follow God’s plan for them in their relationship. 

“If more men would step up and be the husbands and family leaders God expects  them to be, many women would not have to step in and do their “job” for them!” — Bill Brinkworth

This article was featured in The Bible View #659.