“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (1 Peter 3:1,2).

The phrase “chaste conversation coupled with fear” caught my attention the other day. Even if we have godly husbands, we should strive to have “chaste conversation coupled with fear.” What does this mean? I checked out a few commentaries of old and here are how a few interpreted this phrase:

“Cheerful subjection, strong affection, and inviolable attachment to them, and strict regard to the honour of the marriage state, and to the preserving of the bed undefiled with lusts and adulteries: coupled with fear; with reverence of their husbands, giving them due honour, and showing all proper respect; or with the fear of God, which being before their eyes, and upon their hearts, engages them to such an agreeable conversation.” (Gill’s Exposition)

“The apostle directs Christian females to put on something not corruptible, that beautifies the soul, even the graces of God’s Holy Spirit. A true Christian’s chief care lies in right ordering his own spirit. This will do more to fix the affections, and excite the esteem of a husband, than studied ornaments or fashionable apparel, attended by a froward and quarrelsome temper. Wives should be subject to their husbands, not from dread and amazement, but from desire to do well, and please God.” (Matthew Henry)

“The conduct of the wife is to be in all respects pure; and this is to be the grand instrumentality in the conversion of her husband. A wife may be strictly chaste, and yet there may be many other things in her conduct and temper which would mar the beauty of her piety, and prevent any happy influence on the mind of her husband.” (Barnes’ Notes)

This doesn’t sound easy does it, women, but you must remind yourself often of who you are in Christ, that you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you, and that His Spirit works mightily within you. God tells us that His commands are not burdensome so you can do it! Be transformed by continually renewing your minds with the truths found in God’s Word.

…and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5:33