Husbands are called to provide security that goes beyond finances — emotional, spiritual, and physical safety, loving a wife “as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25–29). A secure wife knows her husband is faithful, present, prayerful, and for her. Here are practical ways to provide it.
Ultimate security comes from God and is provided by the Gospel. Christ, our Head, fought to rescue us from death, and he promises his presence for eternity. In addition to looking to Christ for ultimate rescue and security, women look to their husbands.
As husbands, we are the heads of our wives, and it is our calling to provide security for them in the same way that Christ provides for His bride (Ephesians 5:25). We do this by creating an atmosphere where our wives (and children) can feel safe and secure. When done according to God’s design, our marriages become things of beauty that point others to the glorious Gospel.
As God demonstrates His love for us by guarding and defending us, and as we demonstrate the same love for our wives, an atmosphere of safety is created, an arena where a woman can come to life. Within a safe environment she can more easily shed her fears and insecurities and thus be freed to express the image and glory of God in her femininity.
A man is made to display strength, and a woman is made to respond to it. Husbands display their strength when they tenderly direct it toward their wives and fiercely direct it towards anything or anyone that would harm them. Such strength is redemptive and life-giving, and it provides the security a wife needs to be strong. Here are 5 questions to ask your spouse each week.
I’m sure….no….I know I fall short of this many times and I don’t always display strength and security for my wife, however I am encouraged knowing that I can take things one day at a time and look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) to lead me each step of the way. I know I can look at Him to show me how to be a man. Here is more scripture on marriage.
I encourage you men to love and lead your wives well and to cultivate a home that is safe and secure for your bride just like how Jesus makes His bride (the church) safe and secure because He loved us first (1 John 4:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a husband to provide security?
Biblical security is fourfold: spiritual (leading in prayer and the Word), emotional (being safe to be honest with), relational (unquestioned faithfulness), and physical/financial (working to protect and provide — 1 Timothy 5:8). Money is the smallest piece.
How do I make my wife feel emotionally secure?
Be consistent: keep your word, put away distractions when she talks, never weaponize her vulnerabilities, apologize quickly, and speak well of her always. Emotional security is built in hundreds of small, reliable moments (Ephesians 5:28–29; Colossians 3:19).
What does the Bible say about husbands protecting their wives?
Husbands are to love sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), live with wives “in an understanding way, showing honor” (1 Peter 3:7), and nourish and cherish them as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:29).
*Additional Resources from M. Weathers
Define “security”. (As Dan D. would harass me for saying) what does it look like?
There are many ways I would think a husband can provide security. Leading his wife spiritually, praying for her and with her daily, studying Scripture together, listening to her instead of doing all the talking, being patient with her, etc. Providing the safe environment at all times where she can feel secure in the marriage and be able to talk about anything (struggles, dreams, etc.). Protecting her from harm whether that be from other people, spiritual warfare, or more. There are many ways. I would think within most marriages, most husbands could honestly reflect on how they are doing with… Read more »