The apostle Peter urges Christian women to submit to their husbands (1 Pet. 3:1-6). He follows this inspired appeal with an admonition for men: “Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life” (v. 7).
How, exactly, does a husband obey this instruction? The text itself suggests that a man must recognize his wife’s equality. Being the “weaker sex” means that the average woman is more physically vulnerable than her male counterpart. Peter doesn’t mean, though, that a wife has a weaker mind or less personal worth. In fact, the Lord views the godly husband and wife as “joint heirs” of grace. Knowing this, the Christian man is to respect his partner’s opinions, needs, and feelings as highly as his own.
In addition, a man bestows honor on his wife by expressing gratitude. Solomon writes that “house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Prov. 19:14). If a good wife is from God, then surely a Christian husband is to thank the Lord for her as he leads the family in prayer. A godly husband also thanks his wife frequently and directly for all the things she does for the family (e.g., buying groceries and cooking, cleaning and washing, paying bills). And he teaches his children to thank their mother for meals, help with homework, and rides to school and ball practice.