First, I’d turn to Ephesians 5. The first verse says, “…be imitators of God…and walk in love as Christ has also loved us and given Himself for us….” With that in mind, let us consider how Christ loves us and is also our head.1 Corinthians 11:3, “the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.”
As head, the husband should not only provide for his wife’s physical necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter, but it is his duty to nourish her heart and affection, considering her mental, moral, and spiritual interests. He would see that she has the opportunity to cultivate her mind, and have reasonable time for spiritual fellowship and study of the Scriptures.
As a father, he would, of course provide the physical necessities, as well, though not necessarily luxuries. The world inaccurately considers a “good provider” as a“lavish provider”. Beyond the necessities, seeing to the spiritual knowledge, health, character, proper education, and moral well-being of his children is one of his prime obligations.
This is a wide topic, and one every husband and father should consider well, especially when the Lord admonishes in 1 Timothy 5:8 that “…if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he had denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” And 1 Peter 3:7, “Husband, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
There are equally sober admonitions for wives and mothers, but your question doesn’t address them.
These are weighty concerns, yet there is much joy and spiritual education in fulfilling one’s role to the best of one’s ability.
