The institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, and the Bible provides clear guidance on how husbands and wives should relate to each other. For a man, one of the fundamental ways he shows love for his wife is by putting her first in all aspects of life. In a world where self-centeredness can often overshadow selflessness, the Bible calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, making sacrifices for her well-being, happiness, and spiritual growth.
When a man puts his wife first, he mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love, showing respect, care, and tenderness. The Bible not only speaks to the ideal role of the husband as a provider and protector but also emphasizes the deep, nurturing responsibility of prioritizing his wife’s needs. In this article, we will explore 21 Bible verses that reflect God’s blueprint for a husband who puts his wife first.
21 Bible Verses on a Man Putting His Wife First
1. Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
This powerful verse challenges husbands to love their wives in the most sacrificial way possible—just as Christ loved the Church. Christ’s love for the Church was selfless, unconditional, and willing to go to great lengths, even to death. For a husband, this means putting the needs of his wife before his own, protecting her, cherishing her, and meeting her emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.
2. 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
“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.”
This verse speaks to the importance of treating one’s wife with respect and honor. A husband should be considerate and mindful of his wife’s needs, recognizing that she is a co-heir with him in the kingdom of God. When a husband prioritizes his wife and shows respect, it creates a harmonious and God-honoring relationship.
3. Colossians 3:19 (NIV)
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse reminds husbands that love is not harsh or domineering. A husband should lead his wife with gentleness and understanding, putting her first in the relationship. Harshness and control undermine a loving, godly marriage.
4. Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
The union of a husband and wife is sacred and transcends all other relationships. A man who puts his wife first understands that she becomes his primary human relationship. This bond of unity is not just physical but emotional, spiritual, and relational.
5. Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This verse emphasizes that the foundation of marital love is mutual care and respect. For the husband, loving his wife as he loves himself involves prioritizing her well-being and making her needs a primary concern. When a man loves his wife this way, it nurtures a marriage where both partners flourish.
6. Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV)
“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 highlights the value of a virtuous wife. A husband who puts his wife first will see her worth and invest in her character, knowing she brings good to their lives. His confidence in her reflects his commitment to her and his recognition of her significance.
7. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (NIV)
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.”
This passage speaks to the mutual submission and sacrificial love that marriage requires. A husband who puts his wife first is willing to meet her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, fostering a balanced and loving relationship.
8. Song of Songs 2:16 (NIV)
“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”
The Song of Songs is a poetic celebration of love, with this verse showing the mutual belonging and commitment between husband and wife. A husband who prioritizes his wife makes her feel cherished and secure in their relationship, knowing that he is fully committed to her.
9. 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse underscores the husband’s role as a provider, but it goes beyond material needs. It speaks to a comprehensive commitment to caring for his wife and family emotionally, spiritually, and physically. A man who puts his wife first will prioritize her well-being in all aspects of life.
10. Matthew 19:5-6 (NIV)
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This passage reiterates the sacredness of the marriage relationship. When a husband puts his wife first, he recognizes the profound unity they share and protects their relationship from external harm.
11. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This verse reflects the attitude of humility that should characterize a husband’s relationship with his wife. A man who puts his wife first will seek to meet her needs before his own, looking out for her well-being with a selfless heart.
12. Titus 2:4-5 (NIV)
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This passage speaks to the roles of wives, but it also implies a husband’s responsibility to create a loving and supportive environment where his wife can thrive. By prioritizing his wife, he sets the tone for a marriage that honors God.
13. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
A husband who puts his wife first does so by honoring her, valuing her opinions, and supporting her in all areas of life. This devotion fosters a loving, God-centered marriage where both partners are cared for equally.
14. Proverbs 5:18-19 (NIV)
“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 passage celebrates the joy and fulfillment that come from a loving and passionate marriage. A husband who puts his wife first will cherish her physically and emotionally, keeping the romance and connection alive.
15. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The Golden Rule teaches husbands to treat their wives with the same care, respect, and love they would want for themselves. A man who truly puts his wife first will consider her feelings, needs, and desires before his own.
16. Luke 6:31 (NIV)
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This reiterates the Golden Rule in a way that applies directly to marriage. A husband who puts his wife first considers her needs above his own, demonstrating his love and care through action and word.
17. Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
A husband who puts his wife first recognizes that she is a blessing from God. He sees her as a gift and strives to protect, honor, and cherish her as a way of honoring God.
18. Malachi 2:15 (NIV)
“Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of marital faithfulness. A husband who puts his wife first remains loyal, committed, and faithful to her throughout their marriage.
19. Genesis 3:16 (NIV)
“To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.'”
While this verse highlights the effects of the Fall, it also alludes to the natural desire for a husband’s leadership. A godly husband puts his wife first by leading with humility and sacrificial love, not harsh rule.
20. Romans 13:10 (NIV)
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
A husband who truly loves his wife will put her first in all things, ensuring that his actions always bring her peace, joy, and protection.
21. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“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.”
The qualities of love outlined here should be present in a husband’s actions toward his wife. A man who puts his wife first demonstrates patience, kindness, and a willingness to put her needs above his own.
Conclusion
The Bible’s teachings on marriage are clear—husbands are called to love, protect, and prioritize their wives. From sacrificial love to mutual respect, these 21 Bible verses underscore the foundational principles of putting one’s wife first in all aspects of life. A husband who does so reflects Christ’s love for the Church, creating a marriage that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to both partners. As husbands strive to follow these principles, they not only strengthen their marriage but also deepen their relationship with God.
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