8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “Use Words Wisely”

by David Chadwick

Marilynn and I have coined what we call “8 Greats” for different areas of our lives that require practical, biblical wisdom. We are spending two weeks looking at 8 great ways husbands can honor their wives.

Husbands, today’s tool is this: use words wisely!

Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Words can do damage or they can bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). In fact, Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

I want to see a generation of men rise up who know how to rightly use their words. To be wise voices who bring perspective and healing.

Do you remember hearing the ridiculous phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? What a lie! Words hurt. They sting. And are long remembered.

Speak words of life to your beloved. Things like, “I am so honored to be your husband.” Then, say this publicly before others and it will really get you brownie points. Tell her, “I am never leaving you.” “Thank you for marrying me.” “I am so grateful for all you do for me.”

If you have never said anything like this before to your bride, try it today! Take one or two of these examples I have given you and use them. Watch what happens! Where you have felt distance, there will be closeness. Where disappointments have been commonplace, hope will return.

Then watch as you two become one!

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “Be a Guardian and a Gardener”

by David Chadwick

Husbands, I am spending these two weeks focused on you. I want you to walk away with 8 great, practical ways to honor your wives and help your marriage be all that God wants it to be.

We live in a world where marriages are falling apart. But God has given us tools to cultivate strong and lasting marriages. He wants to see healthy homes that are glorifying God together!

Here is today’s tool for you, husbands: Be a guardian and a gardener.

You are a GUARDIAN. Called by God to protect your home from evil influences. From people to social media to television shows to movies to music, there are destructive forces in the world that want to destroy your family and defile the name of God.

You must ask yourself regularly, “Does this bring glory to God the Father or does it curse his name?” If it doesn’t praise Jesus and bring glory to the Father, call it out and cut it off! Lukewarm Christianity is not acceptable in God’s eyes. In fact, Revelation 3:15 says, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

God is very serious about holiness. As the guardian of your home, husbands, build and walk your family’s wall. Watch for danger. Make sure it’s protected at all times. When something is not right, speak up! Fight for your family’s health and safety. And give your wife the freedom to do so as well.

You are also a GARDENER. Sprinkle healthy nutrients into your family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Tend to the needs of each person’s heart. Make sure grace is in place. Make sure love conquers all. Forgive. Ask for forgiveness. Speak words of encouragement and hope. Show a spirit of perseverance.

Be the spiritual leader of your home. What does this mean? Simply initiate spiritual health and wholeness in your home. Initiate prayer. Lead the way in having your family worship together both in the home and at church.

And as your wife sees you doing this, she will feel honored and you’ll become one!

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “Share Your Heart”

by David Chadwick

We are looking at 8 great ways husbands can honor their wives. I want every husband to have a large assortment of tools that he can use to strengthen closeness with his wife.

Today’s tool: share your heart!

As you practice asking yesterday’s question to your beloved, “How is your heart?” make sure you share your heart with her as well. There is nothing that a wife hates more than to feel like she is being transparent with a husband who seemingly doesn’t struggle with a thing.

Husbands, don’t stuff your feelings. It’s not good for you, it’s not good for your health, it’s not good for your marriage. It stifles honor!

Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a helper fit for him.’” The word here for helper is “ezer.” Your wife is designed to be your helper. But she can’t be that for you if you don’t let her. Tell her what you need. Expect her to respond with help.

You two are meant to complement each other. The Bible is full of verses that speak to the power of two and of living out the Gospel with another.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

You two are stronger together than you are apart.

Ask her to share her heart. Share yours. Pray for one another. Yes, even if it feels uncomfortable. Nothing is easy when you first begin, but over time you will find it much easier to share with one another and pray for each other.

And the most amazing reality will occur; the two become one!

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!