1 Peter 3:7

In the same way, you husbands live with your wives in an understanding way (with great gentleness and tact, and with intelligent regard for the marriage relationship), as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective. 

The marriage relationship is vital to God. Men play a significant leadership role in marriage and the family. How they treat their wife sets the tone for the relationship. Wives will respond to their husbands according to the investment they have made in them and their families.