Wives and Husbands

(Song of Solomon 1:1–17; Ephesians 5:22–33)

3 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to [your] husbands, so that even if [they] refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of [their] wives 2 when they see your pure [and] reverent demeanor.

3 [Your beauty] {should} not come [from] outward adornment, [such as] braided hair or gold [jewelry] or fine clothes, 4 but from the inner disposition of [your] heart, the unfading [ beauty ] of a gentle and quiet[fn] spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God [and] were submissive to [their] husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [and] called him lord. [And] you are [her] children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.

7 Husbands, in the same way, dwell with [your] wives in an understanding manner. Treat them with honor as a delicate vessel and as fellow heirs of [the] gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.