Jehovah * God performed the first marriage. The Bible tells us that he made the first woman and “brought her to the man.” Adam was so happy that he said: “This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” (Genesis 2:22, 23) Jehovah still wants married people to be happy.

When you get married, you may think that everything will be perfect. Realistically, though, even a husband and a wife who truly love each other will have some problems. (1 Corinthians 7:28) In this brochure, you will find Bible principles that, if applied, can make your marriage and family happy.​—Psalm 19:8-11.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: The husband is the head of the family.​—Ephesians 5:23.

If you are a husband, Jehovah expects you to care for your wife tenderly. (1 Peter 3:7) He made her as a complement of you, and he wants you to treat her with dignity and love. (Genesis 2:18) You must love your wife so much that you are willing to put her interests ahead of your own.​—Ephesians 5:25-29.

If you are a wife, Jehovah expects you to respect your husband deeply and to help him fulfill his role. (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:33) Support his decisions and wholeheartedly cooperate with him. (Colossians 3:18) When you do, you will be beautiful in the eyes of your husband and of Jehovah.​—1 Peter 3:1-6.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Ask your mate how you can be a better husband or wife. Listen carefully, and do what you can to improve

• Be patient. It will take time for both of you to learn how to make each other happy

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: You need to look out for the interests of your marriage mate. (Philippians 2:3, 4) Treat your mate as precious, remembering that Jehovah requires his servants to be “gentle toward all.” (2 Timothy 2:24) “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is a healing.” So choose your words carefully. (Proverbs 12:18) Jehovah’s spirit will help you to speak with kindness and love.​—Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 4:6.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Pray for help to remain calm and to keep an open mind before discussing serious matters with your mate

• Think carefully about what you will say and how you will say it

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: When you get married, you become “one flesh” with your mate. (Matthew 19:5) But you are still two individuals and may have different opinions. So you need to learn to be united in your thoughts and feelings. (Philippians 2:2) Unity is essential when making decisions. The Bible says: “By consultation, plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 20:18) Let Bible principles guide you as you make important decisions together.​—Proverbs 8:32, 33.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Share your feelings with your mate, not just information or opinions

• Consult with your mate before making commitments