This chapter continues with the idea of submission to those God has put in authority over us. Verses 1-2, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” Our submission is not something a husband should have to earn. We must respect the position that God has given them as the leader of the home, regardless of how obedient or disobedient they are being to the word of God. Too many women think wickedly in their heart, that they will begin submitting when their husband starts acting more loving toward them. Our command for obedience is never dependent on how godly our leader is, so long as they do not ask us to sin toward God. The chain of command, so to speak, is spelled out in 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” You may not like it, but take it up with God.
To those who think this concept is outdated and that women's roles have changed in modern history, check out what God said to Eve after she was deceived and sinned. Genesis 3:16, “To the woman He said: 'I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.' ” Satan most likely went after the woman because she was more vulnerable to his attack. This has not changed over the years, and as part of the curse, women still struggle with trying to master their husbands and rule over them. Submission is so contrary to our desire to be submissive, which is why it is a curse. For the same reason women should not be pastors and leaders over men in the church. 1 Timothy 12-14, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” Again, time has not changed this principle. It is still shameful for a man to be under the covering or headship of a woman.
Verses 3-5, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.” This does not mean that you have to completely ignore your outward appearance, though. It just warns women not to put all their emphasis on their outward appearance, while ignoring their spiritual inner beauty. The reality is that you could be beautiful on the outside, but so nasty inwardly that you repell people...including your husband. He would likely appreciate the results of you spending more time in the word and seeking God each day, than shopping and dressing up nicely.
Furthermore, God does not condemn the practice of adorning women with jewelry and fine clothes. In fact, He provides these things for us to enjoy. What is sinful is when you fail to recognize where all things come from and begin trusting in these gifts, while ignoring the Giver of the gifts; or when you desire and covet these things and spend your time chasing them. Listen to how He described the Jews in Ezekiel 16:11-15, “I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty. Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,” says the Lord God. “But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it.” From their outward appearance, the Jews were blessed by God more than any other people. Unfortunately their hearts turned away from Him and they played the harlot, serving and worshipping other gods.
Husbands also have their struggles, one of which is their lack of understanding of their wives, which can come across as being inconsiderate or unloving. Women are not built for battle, and may have a harder time dealing with spiritual warfare and physical challenges. They are not any less important to God, just designed differently, in order to complement man when the two become one. Verse 7, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” Men need to also keep in mind that by not giving honor to their wives in this way, their prayers to God will be hindered. They cannot serve God or come to church and worship God when they are in the flesh and not in one accord with their wife. After all, she is the daughter of the Most High. Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Verse 10-12, “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” You also cannot mistreat people and do evil (even if it is just in your heart), and expect God to accept it when you come to Him. This is what many professing Christians attempt to do and is a terrible witness. It is clear that His face will be against you. According to James 3, those who have self-seeking in their hearts, have every evil thing present. God will not even listen to their prayers when they come to Him, and they should not expect to receive anything from Him when they make requests. James 4:7-8, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Verses14-17, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” When you do suffer, make sure you are suffering for doing what is right and obeying God over man, not as a result your own stupidity and evil actions. 1 Peter 2:19-20, “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” This is the example that Christ set for us as to how we should also walk. Not that all trials are chastening from God, but there are those who never even consider that it just might be the result of their sin.
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