(a) State the main features of Peter's counsel to wives and husbands in their relationship. (b) List any three consequences of instability in the family

Answer Details

(a) Main features of Peter's counsel to wives and husbands (1 Peter 3:1-7)

Counsel to wives:

• Submission to their own husbands: Wives are to be submissive to their own husbands, so that even those husbands who do not obey the word may be won over without a word by the reverent and chaste conduct of their wives.
• True inward beauty rather than outward adornment: Their adorning should not be merely outward, with braided hair, gold ornaments and fine clothing, but the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight.
• The example of the holy women of old: The holy women who hoped in God adorned themselves in this way and were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Believing wives are her daughters if they do right and do not fear.

Counsel to husbands:

• Live considerately with their wives: Husbands are to live with their wives according to knowledge, treating them with understanding.
• Honour the wife as the weaker vessel: They are to bestow honour on the woman as the weaker vessel and as a joint heir of the grace of life.
• So that prayers are not hindered: They must do this in order that their prayers may not be hindered, showing that right relationship in marriage affects one's fellowship with God.

(b) Three consequences of instability in the family

• Broken homes and divorce, leading to separation of husband and wife.
• Poor upbringing of children, who may become delinquent, wayward or involved in crime and immorality.
• Emotional and spiritual harm, such as bitterness, insecurity and a hindered relationship with God, and the breakdown of love and trust.

(Other acceptable consequences: poverty and neglect; loss of respect and good reputation in society; and the spread of social vices.)