“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22

HUSBANDS, Live with your wife with knowledge!

The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament 7 Husbands, likewise, dwelling together according to knowledge as with a weaker vessel the female, assigning honour as indeed co-heirs of [the] grace of life, for the not to be hindered the prayers of you. King James Version 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. New American Standard Bible 7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible 7 Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with an understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. Young’s Literal Translation 7 The husbands, in like manner, dwelling with [them], according to knowledge, as to a weaker vessel – to the wife -- imparting honour, as also being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered. New International Version 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Live with your wife (1 Peter 3:7). If a man and woman are joined in marriage, would they not live together? Two become one in marriage to journey together in the same united direction. Spend time together, eat together, talk to one another, plan together, walk together, laugh and cry together. Deuteronomy 24:5; Ecclesiastes 9:9

Dwell with your wife with knowledge. “Seeking to know, an enquiry” Gain intelligence and obtain understanding through loving discovery. Of the nature of marital union, of proper regard to be shown, of peculiar responsibilities, etc. Proper behavior comes with knowledge (cf. 1 Cor. 13:5).

Dwell with your wife with knowledge. Cultivate understanding required to treat your own wife with loving consideration and care. “A weaker vessel” – God made her different. Listen. Learn. Practice. Work at it. Then do it all again the next day. Knowledge of God’s word, knowledge of her body and needs, knowledge of her mind, knowledge of her temperament.

Give your wife honor as co- heir. Esteem and value properly your wife. She is a precious soul, a special person (cf. Phil. 2:3-4). Recognize her as an equal heir of the grace of life. A joint participant in the blessed life God’s grace brings in this physical life shared and in the promise of eternal life (cf. Jam. 1:17-18; Gal. 3:28).

Disobedience of this Lord’s instruction (1 Peter 3:7) impedes acceptable petitions before the throne of grace. Husbands’ prayers can be in vain because of their mistreatment of their wives. Repent, be reconciled, confess your sins and then pray fervently, bringing forth the fruits of repentance (cf. Matt. 5:23-24; 1 John 1:6, 8).