Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Peter 3:7

7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledg , giving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindred .

Perform all Matrimonial Duties to them; by a Synecdoche all the duties of that relation are contained under this one of cohabitation.

Either, according to that knowledg of the Divine Will, which by the Gospel ye have obtained; or, prudently and wisely, and as becomes those that understand their Duty.

Not despising them because of their weakness, or using them as Slaves, but respecting them, caring for them (as Matth. 15.6. and 1 Tim. 5.3.) using them gently, covering their Infirmities.

Than the Husbands, and that both in Body and Mind, as Women usually are.

In Scripture any Instrument is called a Vessel, and the Wife is here called so, as being not only an Ornament, but an Help to the Husband and Family, Gen. 2.18. This he adds as a reason why the Husband should give Honour to the Wife, viz. her being the weaker Vessel; weak Vessels must be gently handled; the infirmities of Children bespeak their Pardon when they offend; and those Members of the Body which we think less honourable, on them we bestow more abundant honour, 1 Cor. 12.23. It is a part of that Prudence according to which Men should dwell▪ with their Wives, to have the more regard to them because of their Infirmities (in bearing with them and hiding them) lest they should be discouraged, if they find their weakness makes them contemptible.

Another reason why Husbands should give honour to their Wives, viz. Because tho by Nature they are weak and unequal to their Husbands, yet they are equal to them in respect of their being called to the same Grace and Glory, there being neither Male nor Female in Christ, Gal. 3.28.

Either, that ye be not diverted and hindred from praying; or, that the efficacy of your Prayers be not hindred, viz. by those contentions and differences which are like to arise, if you do not dwell with your own Wives according to Knowledg, and give them the honour that belongs to them.

i. e. Eternal Life which is the gift of Grace; or, is to be given out of Grace.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 7.3. Eph. 5.25. Col. 3.19.