The Complete Husband: A Practical Guide to Biblical Husbanding

I read this volume a few months ago as part of my monthly men's discipleship group, and quite frankly, took a spiritual bludgeoning. This was far and away one of the toughest books I have ever had to read. The author assumes two things about his readers. First, that you're a committed follower of Jesus Christ, with a sincere desire to please God in your marriage. Second, that you're not thin-skinned, because this book ain't for wimps. Be ready to set aside your pride -- you won't be needing it. This is not a complicated book. It simply sets out the very high scriptural standard that we as men are to follow as we live out our marriages and try to love our wives as Christ loved the church. It also enumerates in no uncertain terms the many, many, many ways we fail to live up to that standard. The bottom line is that we are to sacrifice whatever it takes of our own "rights" and desires so that we can demonstrate true Christ-like love toward our wives and present them blameless and holy before the Lord in the day of judgment. If you are a Christian husband, you are squarely in the author's crosshairs -- but only because you are first in God's crosshairs. Don't despair, though. The book is not all doom and gloom for us sinful wretches. It's also chock full of great advice on how to rise to the challenge of scripture. I have implemented some of this in my own marriage, and it works! All it takes is a teachable spirit, a humble attitude, a willingess to work up a sweat (figuratively speaking), and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit, and you can take not only your marriage but also your personal relationship with Christ to a whole new level. Remember, 1 Pet. 3:7 admonishes us husbands to live with our wives in an understanding way, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker (read "more fragile and valuable") vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that our prayers may not be hindered. This book will give alot of great advice on how to live that out. Read it! Live it! Love it! Great book.

Priolo's book is an outstanding resource for reminding ourselves (as men) that we are to be the first ones on the cross in our homes. We cannot wait for our wives to lead. We cannot respond in anger or in half-heartedness. We must be dedicated to "fighting back without getting even" as Priolo puts it. We must learn to overcome evil with good, never seeking our own satisfaction, but the joy of our spouse and children in loving their Lord. Impossible? Yes, without the Lord's help. But Priolo makes that point over and over.I was dissappointed in another reader's review of the book, saying that it promoted a view of the wife as inferior or weak, etc. I don't understand that position at all. This is not what I got from the book--nor do I think anyone else would after an honest reading. Priolo even states near the beginning (in the context of learning about your wife and her everyday needs/desires) that the husband probably shouldn't worry too much about the wife having to learn about the husband because she probably knows him already. She's probably already meeting his needs. Priolo gives most of the benefit of the doubt to the woman. As he says, it is the man's responsibility to be the first one on the cross.

Mr. Priolo has done it again! This is a must read for all current and future husbands. The book is filled with insights and instructions on the roles and responsibilities of the husband. The author compellingly exhorts the husbands from the Bible on how to love, serve and lead one's wife. The appendix section with questions and practical suggestions alone is worth the price of the book. Again a must read for all husbands seeking to grow as servant/spiritual leaders at home. Also a great gift for future husbands!

A very practical guide on being a husband, the role and responsibilities. Focused on biblically based precepts and principles. Emphasis is on application and not just theory. Good for a newly wed as well as a refresher course reading for the seasoned husband. Would recommend as a good read for wives as well. Recommended reading for small bible study accountability groups as well.

Excellent book...would encourage any Christian to get this book and read it and then read it over and over. This is not a book to just read and put down, but one which I find myself going back to often to apply to our marriage. Lou gives valuable biblical insight in applying biblical principles in being a godly husband and gives several worksheets to evaluate your role as a husband and also helpful appendices at the end of the book. I have enjoyed this book and it makes a great gift for other husbands or future husbands. This is a valuable resource.