Weaker Vessel

 

1 Peter 3:7

After reading verse seven, I told Jan that many who I send this to would have issues with this Scripture, and those many are women.  So let me be quick to state, I believe what is written, but it is important to go back to this truth; “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.  For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)  So verse seven did not come from Peter’s thoughts but is from God, as is all Scripture. 

In the verses that preceded verse seven, the Holy Spirit is addressing submission and conduct and verse seven begins in this way; “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way,” and all the wives say go man go, that is good stuff.  But as many a wife knows, husbands can be a little slow and this writer is no exception to the rule.  What is meant by “live with your wives in an understanding way?” 

I do believe a disclaimer is required at this point, Jan and I have only been married for 45 years and I’m still taking the course, Marriage 101, and have not passed the finial exam that lets me move on to the advanced course.  Saying all that, could an “understanding way” imply being considerate?  If that is a good word, it would mean, that we are thoughtful of the needs of our wife, and we listen to her so that we hear and understand her wishes and feelings.  A great example for most is treat her like the girl you dated, the one you ask to be your bride.  Yes, it is true she may not act like that girl, and yet as your wife you are given this command, from God himself, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” (Ephesians 5:25).  For years I looked for the loop-hole, not wanting to be in rebellion against God, and the great news is I found it, in the 28^th verse of Ephesians 5, and I choose to agree with God, what a change has happen to Jan since I followed the instruction in verse 28.

Part b, of verse seven states; “showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”  We do not like the word weak, its meanings are many and in most cultures the weak are preyed on, taken advantage of, and no one wants to be the object of that.  When I think of the word weak these words come to mine: powerless, and vulnerable, but is that in keeping with what the apostle Peter is saying, and I believe it is.  Peter is not making reference to the husband being mentally stronger, and for sure not strength of character, nor is he referring to skill sets or abilities.  The husband is physically stronger, with a few exceptions than his wife, and many wives look to their husband for support, emotionally and financial.  So husbands if you want your prayers to be heard, then treat your wives as precious.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice