The Weaker Vessel

WARNING: This post contains high levels of political incorrectness and may not be suitable for post-modernists, liberals, feminists, and egalitarians. Please direct all hate mail and terroristic threats to the comments meta.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. – 1 Peter 3:7

This verse can be very controversial in our modern times. The post-modern mantra of tolerance and across-the-board equality is contradictory to the teaching of this scripture. If I were to proclaim that women are the weaker vessel in a crowded shopping mall or coffee house I would probably be pummeled with high heels and leather handbags. (This is why I have chosen the safety of anonymous internet blogging instead.)

Ladies, I know what you are thinking, but before you brand me as a male chauvinistic heretic, hear me out.

I don’t believe this verse is a testament to male superiority. I once thought that this scripture meant that women had less strength than men, but this does not seem the case. The last century has certainly given plenty of evidence that women can be as strong as men. There are physically strong women athletes, mentally strong female rocket scientists, and emotionally strong businesswomen. So strength is not the issue here, toughness is. In general, men are much tougher than women.

This is not an insult or criticism. God made men and women different. We have different roles, different characteristics, and different strengths. This is especially true in respect to the dynamics of the family.

Men are thick-skinned, cold as stone and as tough as iron. We are abrasive, callous, and hardened. We have a tendency to be harsh, curt and rational. We are the work horses, the providers and the protectors. Our role is to advance forward, taking the lead and shielding our wives from the blunt force trauma of our fallen world.

Women, on the other hand, are tender and delicate. They are expressive of their affections and aversions. They are the child bearers, the nurturers, and the cultivators of the home. They are charged with the duty of raising the next generation of men and women. They are our companion and our help-meet. They are fueled by their emotions, and driven by their sentiments. While the husband may lead, it is the wife who supports and enables. She is the media naranja. Women are precious and deserving of special honor.

In First Peter 3:7, Paul is not commending man’s superior strength. He is basically saying, “Hey you big oaf, love and honor your wife with tenderness and gentleness because she is delicate and precious.”

for His glory,

DJ