Marriage is meant to be a place of safety, love, and mutual respect. Yet many relationships struggle with hurtful words, neglect, control, anger, or emotional and physical harm.
Mistreating a wife goes against God’s design for marriage and wounds not only the relationship but also the spiritual health of everyone involved. The Bible speaks clearly and consistently about how husbands are called to treat their wives with honor, gentleness, and sacrificial love.
At the same time, Scripture offers truth, accountability, and hope for change, healing, and restoration. These bible verses about mistreating your wife are meant to bring clarity, conviction, and encouragement toward God’s better way.
Bible Verses About Mistreating Your Wife and God’s Standard for Marriage
1. Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.
Explanation: Marriage is designed as a committed, unified bond built on loyalty and care.
2. Genesis 2:25
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Explanation: God’s design for marriage includes trust, safety, and emotional openness.
3. Exodus 20:13
Thou shalt not kill.
Explanation: This command reflects God’s deep concern for life and protection from harm.
4. Exodus 20:14
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Explanation: Faithfulness protects a wife from emotional and relational harm.
5. Deuteronomy 24:5
He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife.
Explanation: God values a wife’s well-being and emotional care in marriage.
6. Psalm 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Explanation: God clearly rejects violence and abuse in any form.
7. Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Explanation: God calls husbands to actively choose peace over harm.
8. Proverbs 3:29
Devise not evil against thy neighbour.
Explanation: A wife should never be the target of harm or manipulation.
9. Proverbs 12:18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword.
Explanation: Harsh words can wound deeply, even without physical violence.
10. Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down.
Explanation: Mistreatment destroys the foundation of a home.
11. Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath.
Explanation: Gentleness can prevent conflict and emotional harm.
12. Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Explanation: Words can either heal or deeply damage a wife’s spirit.
13. Proverbs 20:22
Say not thou, I will recompense evil.
Explanation: Revenge and anger have no place in marriage.
14. Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man.
Explanation: Uncontrolled anger leads to harmful behavior.
15. Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Explanation: A wife is valuable and deserving of honor and respect.
16. Malachi 2:14
The LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth.
Explanation: God sees how a husband treats his wife and holds him accountable.
17. Malachi 2:16
For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away.
Explanation: God grieves when marriage is damaged by betrayal and harm.
18. Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
Explanation: Empathy and respect are foundational to marriage.
19. Matthew 19:6
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Explanation: Mistreatment threatens the unity God intends for marriage.
20. Mark 9:42
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck.
Explanation: Causing harm to others, especially the vulnerable, is taken seriously by God.
21. Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.
Explanation: Affection and kindness should define marital behavior.
22. Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Explanation: Retaliation and cruelty are not justified in marriage.
23. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind.
Explanation: True love is patient and kind, never abusive.
24. 1 Corinthians 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own.
Explanation: Love does not dominate, shame, or control.
25. Galatians 5:22
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness.
Explanation: God’s Spirit produces gentleness, not harm.
26. Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, be put away from you.
Explanation: Emotional abuse often grows from unresolved anger.
27. Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.
Explanation: Husbands are called to sacrificial, selfless love.
28. Ephesians 5:28
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.
Explanation: Harming a wife is likened to harming oneself.
29. Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Explanation: Bitterness leads to emotional and verbal mistreatment.
30. 1 Timothy 5:8
If any provide not for his own.
Explanation: Neglect is a form of mistreatment condemned in Scripture.
31. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all.
Explanation: Honoring marriage includes honoring one’s wife.
32. James 1:19
Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Explanation: Listening and self-control prevent harm.
33. 1 Peter 3:7
Dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife.
Explanation: God commands husbands to treat their wives with understanding and honor.
34. 1 John 4:20
He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God?
Explanation: Abuse contradicts genuine love for God.
35. Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Explanation: God’s heart is for healing, safety, and restoration, not suffering.
Choosing God’s Way: Accountability, Healing, and Hope
Mistreating a wife is never part of God’s design for marriage. These bible verses about mistreating your wife make it clear that God values love, gentleness, protection, and accountability.
For those who have caused harm, Scripture calls for repentance, humility, and real change. For those who have been hurt, God sees, cares, and desires healing and safety.
Marriage can be restored only when truth, respect, and love replace harm. Take time to reflect on these verses and seek God’s guidance for your situation. Share your thoughts, experiences, or reflections in the comments. Your voice may help someone else find clarity, courage, and hope.