Much attention has been given to Peter's comments to wives (1 Peter 3:1-6) and very little to his instructions to husbands. "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayer may not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).
There is an old saying that bears repeating. "Actions speak louder than words."
The actions of many men tell the world they interpret Peter's words, "the weaker vessel" to mean the woman's intelligence is less than a man's. But weaker does not refer to intellect. It refers to physical strength.
A man of the same height and weight as a woman will be significantly stronger than her. Men have a tendency to interact more on a physical level than women do. Peter is telling men to be aware of how their physical strength can hurt a woman. Using physicl strength will give an unfair advantage to a man. In other words it is sinful to use physical strength to get your way or intimidate your spouse.
