husbands] Col. 3. 14. Here the apostle turns himself to believing husbands, shewing them how they should behave themselves to their believing wives. according] That is, carry your selves wisely and discreetly towards them. giving honour] That is, giving them due respect, taking care and providing for them, and bearing with them in their weaknesses. weaker] It is usuall in the Scripture to compare man in generall unto a vessel: see 1 Samuel 21. 1 Thessalonians 4:4. 2 Corinthians 4:7. Hence the woman is here called weaker vessel, because generally she is weaker, both in the faculties of her soul, and the constitution of her body. And in that she is called here the weaker vessel, thereby is implied the reason wherefore husbands must so carry themselves as before, viz. because women are the weaker vessels. Weaker vessels, as those of glasse and earth, we use carefully and tenderly: and so husbands should carry themselves toward their wives. and as being heirs together of] Some copies read, and as to heirs with you of, &c. grace] That is, life eternall, which is through grace, Romans 6:23. 2 Timothy 1:9. hindered] By brawling and chiding, arising out of your indiscreet carriage. And here, by prayers, understand all other duties belonging to the worship of God.