The Watchtower Study, "Article 2", Week of March 10-16, 2025, Husbands, give honor to your wives, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, "Article 2", 10-16-March-2025, Husbands, give honor to your wives, Answers.

“Husbands, give them honor” (1 PET. 3:7).

1. What is one of the reasons Jehovah created marriage?

Jehovah created marriage for the purpose of man and woman finding happiness and companionship. From the beginning, God said that it was not good for man to be alone and created woman as his complement. Therefore, Christians understand that this is a gift from God, but to fully enjoy it they must apply biblical principles such as selfless love and mutual respect. 

When spouses cultivate love and loyalty in their relationship, they can enjoy marriage for what it really is: a blessing from Jehovah that promotes happiness and stability.

2. How are many marriages today?

The situation of many marriages today is worrying. Lack of commitment and failure to keep promises made on the wedding day have led many couples to unhappiness. Domestic violence is an alarming reality around the world, and many wives suffer in silence from the abuse they receive in private. 

Another problem that destroys marriages is pornography, which distorts the vision of love and respect, causing emotional and spiritual damage. Therefore, for a strong and happy marriage, it is essential that both spouses apply biblical principles, respect each other, and strive to maintain their commitment to Jehovah and their partner.

3. What factors can contribute to a husband treating his wife poorly?

Abuse within marriage can have different causes. In some cases, spouses grew up in homes where violence was common, and without proper guidance, they replicate what they saw in their childhood. Others have been influenced by cultural misconceptions that promote the superiority of men over women. Another reason is the lack of emotional control. 

The Bible, in Ephesians 4:31, warns about the danger of anger and aggressiveness, recommending that Christians get rid of all resentment and fury. In addition, pornography consumption also plays an important role, since it distorts the vision of love and respect, promoting selfish attitudes. And although the COVID-19 pandemic increased marital conflicts, this does not justify abuse.

4. What should Christian husbands be careful about, and why?

The world has a distorted view of women. In many cultures the idea is promoted that husbands have absolute authority over their wives. Other times, women are seen as objects rather than companions worthy of honor. 

Unfortunately, some Christians have absorbed these ideas without realizing it. The apostle Paul warned of this danger to the Christians of Rome, who, despite having accepted the truth, could still be influenced by their environment. 

Romans 12:1, 2 shows that it is necessary to renew the way of thinking to conform to God's principles. Today, a Christian husband must ask himself whether his treatment of his wife is truly based on the Bible or whether it reflects the mentality of the world, since Jehovah expects husbands to love their wives and treat them with dignity.

5. According to 1 Peter 3:7, how should husbands treat their wives?

The Bible makes it clear that husbands are to honor their wives. 1 Peter 3:7 not only mentions respect, but also shows the importance of understanding the wife's emotional and spiritual needs. The husband must treat her with consideration, remembering that both are heirs of eternal life. 

Honoring your wife is not just about avoiding violence or verbal abuse. It involves showing love in the small things of everyday life, listening to her carefully, being interested in her feelings and supporting her in difficult times. 

It also means recognizing their effort and their role in the home, valuing their work and decisions. The example of Jesus is key. Although he was not married, he always treated women with respect and dignity in a time where women were despised.

REJECT BEHAVIORS THAT DISHONOR YOUR WIVES

6. How does Jehovah view men who physically abuse their wives? (Colossians 3:19).

Physical abuse is a serious violation of biblical principles and directly affects a husband's relationship with Jehovah. 

Psalm 11:5 shows that Jehovah detests violence, so no man who fears him should justify himself by saying that his culture, character, or circumstances led him to act badly. In Malachi's time, the Israelites were dishonoring marriage, and Jehovah condemned this attitude in Malachi 2:16, showing that He rejects any abuse within the marital relationship.

Colossians 3:19 emphasizes that husbands are to love their wives without bitterness or harshness. The apostle Paul gives this advice because bitterness and aggressiveness destroy love in marriage. And, even more serious, 1 Peter 3:7 warns that a husband who does not treat his wife well puts his relationship with Jehovah at risk, since his prayers may not be heard.

7. According to Ephesians 4:31, 32, in what ways should men never speak to their wives? (See also “Big Idea”).

Words have great power in marriage. Ephesians 4:31 and 32 make it clear that a Christian must eliminate anger, shouting, and harmful words from his life. Instead, you should treat your wife with kindness and compassion. This is because Jehovah hates violence, not only physical but also verbal. Verbal abuse destroys self-esteem and trust in marriage.

James 1:26 warns that if someone does not control his tongue, his worship is worthless. A husband who insults, yells, or speaks disparagingly toward his wife distances himself from Jehovah and weakens his own marriage. Therefore, a Christian husband must remember that his way of speaking influences the peace of the home and his relationship with God.

8. What does Jehovah think of pornography, and why?

To maintain a strong marriage and a close relationship with God, spouses must avoid any form of immorality, including pornography. Pornography is totally opposite to Jehovah's principles. 

Matthew 5:28, 29 makes it clear that adultery occurs not only in actions, but also in thoughts. A husband who consumes pornography is betraying his wife's trust and allowing impure thoughts to corrupt his heart.

9. Why does Jehovah hate it when a Christian tries to get his wife to perform sexual acts that make her feel degraded?

True love seeks not only personal satisfaction, but the well-being of the other. Ephesians 5:28, 29 emphasizes that the husband must care for his wife as himself, nurturing her with tenderness. Any act that degrades or humiliates the wife goes against this principle. 

When a Christian husband pressures his wife to do something that makes her feel uncomfortable or degraded, he is acting selfishly and not lovingly. Additionally, this can affect trust in the marriage and damage the relationship with Jehovah. 

Jehovah wants marriages to be a reflection of his love and respect. Therefore, husbands must ensure that their wife feels valued, respected and safe in intimacy.

HOW HUSBANDS CAN STOP BEHAVIOR THAT DISHONORS THEIR WIVES

10. What can husbands learn from Jesus?

Jesus is the perfect example of how a husband should treat his wife. Despite not being married, his love for humanity and his dedication to his disciples provide valuable lessons for marriages. Ephesians 5:25 explains that a husband's love for his wife should be deep, similar to the love Jesus showed for the congregation.

Jesus was never selfish or pressured his followers to do whatever he wanted; He taught them with patience and always showed compassion. Husbands can learn to imitate this attitude, treating their wives with respect, putting themselves in their shoes and making decisions that favor their well-being.

11. How did Jesus treat his apostles?

Jesus, being the master and Lord of his disciples, treated his apostles with a love that reflected humility and respect. Despite his position, he was never authoritarian or resorted to acts of power. On the contrary, he showed them the true meaning of leadership, serving others with humility and dedication.

John 13:12-17 shows us how Jesus, when washing the feet of his disciples, taught them that service is a manifestation of true leadership and love. Furthermore, in Matthew 11:28-30 he offers them comfort by telling them to learn from him, because he is gentle and humble of heart. This way of acting highlights an emotional strength that does not allow itself to be carried away by pride or impulsive emotions.

12. How did Jesus speak to others?

Jesus, as in other areas of his life, showed us how to use words in ways that edify and comfort others. In difficult situations, he was never harsh or aggressive towards his followers. 

In Luke 8:47,48, after healing the woman who touched his cloak, he spoke to her with words of comfort, and even when he was insulted by his enemies, he did not return evil for evil, but followed the example of not responding to insults, as described in 1 Peter 2:21-23. 

He showed that the proper response to injustice is not verbal aggression, but trust in God. Furthermore, Matthew 27:12-14 shows how Jesus chose silence in the face of false accusations, demonstrating an inner strength that made him remain calm at all times.

13. How can a husband show that he is united to his wife? (Matthew 19:4-6; see also image).

Jesus taught in Matthew 19:4-6 that a man must be united to his wife in such a deep and solid way that the relationship cannot be broken without causing suffering to both parties. 

The Greek verb translated “to join” implies a connection as strong as if they were glued together. This includes rejecting any type of act that could damage the trust and bond with your wife. 

In Psalm 119:37 we are urged to turn away from what is worthless, which is a key principle for preserving purity in marriage. This dedication to his wife shows that he is completely attached to her and values ​​their relationship unwaveringly.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother working in a car shop. His co-workers look at pornographic magazines, but he refuses to do so.

The husband who is faithful refuses to watch pornography. (See paragraph 13).

14. What steps should a husband take to repair his relationship with Jehovah and his wife?

When a husband has abused his wife, whether physically or verbally, restoring his relationship with Jehovah and her requires specific steps that demonstrate sincere repentance.

First of all, you must admit the problem. Jehovah sees everything and nothing can be hidden from Him. Recognizing the magnitude of the damage caused is essential to genuine repentance.

Secondly, he must change his behavior by stopping treating his wife badly and showing real repentance. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that he who covers his evil does not prosper, but he who abandons it obtains mercy.

Third, he must ask forgiveness from both his wife and Jehovah, as mentioned in Acts 3:19. Prayer should be an important part of the process, asking Jehovah for help in controlling thoughts, words, and actions.

Fourth, you must learn to hate verbal and physical abuse, seeking to live in harmony with Psalm 97:10. Additionally, you should seek the help of the elders in the congregation for guidance and support.

Finally, you must develop a firm plan of action to avoid repeating these behaviors, trusting that Jehovah will bless your efforts to change.

HOW THEY CAN GIVE HONOR TO THEIR WIVES

15. How can a husband show affection to his wife?

Showing affection is essential for a solid and happy marriage. Husbands who have very happy marriages often have the habit of showing their wife how much they love her every day. 

This can include simple but meaningful gestures, such as holding her hand, giving her a tender hug, sending her a message asking how her day is going or telling her that you miss her, which creates an atmosphere of closeness and complicity. 

By doing these acts, the husband is not only showing his love, but also honoring his wife. The habit of showing affection helps keep the relationship alive, strengthen the marriage, and create an environment of trust and mutual support.

16. Why should a husband praise his wife?

A husband praises his wife to express his appreciation and gratitude for everything she does for him and the family. Sincere praise is a powerful way to strengthen a marriage, because when a wife feels valued, loved and respected, this improves her self-esteem and her bond with her husband. 

Colossians 3:15 highlights the importance of expressing gratitude for the support she provides, as this type of recognition helps both of you feel closer. 

Proverbs 31:28 reminds us that when a wife is praised by her husband, she feels honored and appreciated, which reinforces her confidence and satisfaction in the marriage.

17. How can a husband show respect to his wife?

A husband can show respect to his wife by treating her with kindness and appreciation, viewing her as a precious gift given to him by Jehovah. 

Proverbs 18:22 and 31:10 teach that a wife is a treasure, so the husband must care for her, value her, and respect her at all times. This is reflected in his treatment of her, especially in the more private moments of their relationship. 

A respectful husband will not pressure his wife to participate in activities that make her feel uncomfortable, or in situations that affect her emotional or spiritual well-being.

18. What decision should spouses make? (See also the sidebar “Four Ways to Show You Respect Your Wife.”)

Husbands must make a firm determination to avoid any attitude or behavior that dishonors their wives and, instead, always treat them with kindness, respect, and affection. This attitude shows that they value and love their wives. 

The Bible teaches that if a husband honors his wife, he is protecting his relationship with Jehovah, as this demonstrates his loyalty and obedience to divine principles. 

Psalm 25:14 highlights that Jehovah values ​​what we do to honor others, and this principle applies especially to our relationship with our wives.

HOW CAN HUSBANDS APPLY THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL ADVICE?

Colossians 3:19

Husbands should love their wives and not be hard on them. This means treating your wives with kindness, respect and understanding, avoiding any form of aggression or cold treatment. They should express their love with words and actions, showing appreciation for their wife at all times.

Ephesians 4:31, 32

Husbands must get rid of bitterness, anger, rage, shouting and all kinds of evil. Instead, they should be kind and compassionate, forgiving their wives just as Jehovah forgives them. This involves handling disagreements with patience and speaking softly and lovingly, always seeking reconciliation.

Mateo 19:4-6

Husbands can apply these tips by being faithful to their wives, forming a bond with them so strong that it cannot be broken. When uniting with their wives, husbands must value that relationship as sacred and protect it from any outside influences that try to tear them apart, such as pornography or adultery.