There has been quite a bit of controversey regarding this topic. Many people (women, especially) see this as a shameful practice. They believe that marriage is supposed to be a partnership, and in many ways it is. What the scripture is trying to say is that the role of a wife is one of love and support of her husband and her family. Many women see the word “submissive” and assume that this means they are meant to be slaves to their husbands. This is simply not true. As Carol wrote, husbands have a duty to be kind and loyal to their wives (Proverbs 5:18-23) and to be giving, nurturing and respectful (1 Corinthians 7:1-16). Submissive does not equal slavery. It means to be supportive, to love unconditionally and to honor the vows of marriage.

Those are thoughts on the matter that I have developed after years of hearing this being debated by several preachers and greatly gifted Christians. It would be nice to hear other people’s thoughts on this!

–Jimmy