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. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. ~ 1 Peter 3:1-7

In the text above, notice that Peter tells the husbands to live with their wives according to knowledge, and to honor their wives as the weaker vessel. Husbands are to live with their wives in an understanding, loving, and supportive manner, not in dominance, because a husband and wife are heirs together of the grace of life.

Though Sara was submissive to Abraham as Peter points out, Abraham and Sara were on a journey together. And when Abraham thought he could work out God’s plan in his own strength, it was Sara (his bride) who knew best, thus God told Abraham to listen to his wife.

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. ~ Genesis 21:12

Sara was the wife in submission, but Abraham needed to listen to her and follow her advice. This is how the marriage relationship works. Submission is not about being the doormat, it’s about honoring God by the love, loyalty, and support the wife gives to her husband. Sara supported Abraham’s obedience to follow God, but there came a time when she knew better than Abraham regarding God’s plan, and thus God said, hearken unto her voice.

When a man and a woman are united in holy matrimony, they become one in the eyes of the Lord, and women are not commanded to submit to their husbands so that the husband can rule over them as some suggest. Women are to submit to their husbands out of love and loyalty. In like manner, the husband has a grave responsibility before God to honor his wife, or else his prayers will be hindered. The man’s responsibility to treat his wife honorably is a serious thing with God.