3 ¹ In the same way you women must accept the authority of your husbands, so that if there are any of them who disbelieve the Gospel they may be won over, without a word being said, 3 ² by observing the chaste and reverent behaviour of their wives. 3 ³ Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment—the braiding of the hair, or jewellery, or dress— 3 ⁴ but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God. 3 ⁵ Thus it was among God's people in days of old: the women who fixed their hopes on him adorned themselves by submission to their husbands. 3 ⁶ Such was Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him 'my master'. Her children you have now become, if you do good and show no fear.

3 ⁷ In the same way, you husbands must conduct your married life with understanding: pay honour to the woman's body, not only because it is weaker, but also because you share together in the grace of God which gives you life. Then your prayers will not be hindered.