| Geneva Study Bible {4} For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (4) An argument taken from the example of women, and especially of Sarah, who was the mother of all believers. People's New Testament 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women. The holy women whose names are found in sacred history adorned themselves with a meek and quiet spirit (1Pe 3:4). Wesley's Notes 3:5 The adorning of those holy women, who trusted in God, and therefore did not act thus from servile fear, was, Their meek subjection to their husbands: Their quiet spirit, not afraid, or amazed: and Their unblamable behaviour, doing all things well. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 5. after this manner-with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit (compare the portrait of the godly wife, Pr 31:10-31). trusted-Greek, "hoped." "Holy" is explained by "hoped in (so as to be 'united to,' Greek) God." Hope in God is the spring of true holiness [Bengel]. in subjection-Their ornament consisted in their subordination. Vanity was forbidden (1Pe 3:3) as being contrary to female subjection. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 3:1-7 The wife must discharge her duty to her own husband, though he obey not the word. We daily see how narrowly evil men watch the ways and lives of professors of religion. Putting on of apparel is not forbidden, but vanity and costliness in ornament. Religious people should take care that all their behaviour answers to their profession. But how few know the right measure and bounds of those two necessaries of life, food and raiment! Unless poverty is our carver, and cuts us short, there is scarcely any one who does not desire something beyond what is good for us. Far more are beholden to the lowliness of their state, than the lowliness of their mind; and many will not be so bounded, but lavish their time and money upon trifles. The apostle directs Christian females to put on something not corruptible, that beautifies the soul, even the graces of God's Holy Spirit. A true Christian's chief care lies in right ordering his own spirit. This will do more to fix the affections, and excite the esteem of a husband, than studied ornaments or fashionable apparel, attended by a froward and quarrelsome temper. Christians ought to do their duty to one another, from a willing mind, and in obedience to the command of God. Wives should be subject to their husbands, not from dread and amazement, but from desire to do well, and please God. The husband's duty to the wife implies giving due respect unto her, and maintaining her authority, protecting her, and placing trust in her. They are heirs together of all the blessings of this life and that which is to come, and should live peaceably one with another. Prayer sweetens their converse. And it is not enough that they pray with the family, but husband and wife together by themselves, and with their children. Those who are acquainted with prayer, find such unspeakable sweetness in it, that they will not be hindered therein. That you may pray much, live holily; and that you may live holily, be much in prayer. | 
