A Wife's Submission to Her Husband: What Does It Mean?
The Biblical teaching of wives submitting themselves to their husbands has been a source of controversy. On one hand, some men take advantage of this concept to dominate their wives. On the other hand, there are domineering wives who insist on being in control.
We have to bear in mind that the Lord is not a God of disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33). He made his creation in an orderly fashion that has allowed life to thrive for billions of millennia. Therefore, if God teaches something, it is not to sow conflict and confusion but to lay the foundation to peaceful and abundant living.
Every organization requires a leader for it to succeed and that includes even the smallest unit, which is the family. The husband can be akin to the president, prime minister or CEO of the household which carries a huge responsibility of ensuring that the best interest of the family is served.
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But an organization also needs a counterbalance which can be provided by a parliament in the case of government or board of directors for companies. That's where the wife comes in. By being submissive, she also makes sure that her husband is doing a good job of running the family. If not, it's time for her to step in.
The Bible cites instances wherein wives had to take matters into their own hands as a result of their husbands' bungling. There was Abigail who saved her husband Nabal from David (1 Samuel 25) and Queen Esther who saved the Jews from an ill-advised decree by her husband, the king (read her exploits in the Book of Esther).
The Bible also provides examples of wives who merely watched their husbands' foolishness and did nothing with tragic consequences on their families. Read about Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11) and Achan's wife (Joshua 7:10–26).
So wives, submit yourselves to your husband with gladness but be prepared to step up when the occasion calls for it.
