Paul says husbands ought to care for their wives as they do for their own bodies (Eph. 5:28). The terms used to describe this care relate to physical provision as well as relational warmth (see v. 29).
Thus communicating the esteem in which we hold our spouses precludes using our relationships or our resources selfishly. God mandates that our words and our goods should be used for fostering the well-being of our spouses.
At his wedding a husband vows, "All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you." With such words a man promises to sustain, without reservation or concealment, the wife God provided.
This promise does not prevent a man from delegating resources and responsibilities in the family according to each member's respective talents and strengths; however; this division of labor should not be an excuse for hidden activities or hoarded treasures.
A man who marries with the intention of withholding goods, accounts, or affection from his wife, denies himself the benefits of the united love God designed to build up both partners in the marriage - such a man ultimately damages himself.
Scripture wisely indicates that a man should care for his wife as he does himself; for when he does, his wife's well-being becomes his own.
