Contentment is also a part of obedience. It covers a man’s outward estate and ability, in and with which a wife must rest satisfied and contended, whether it be high or low, great or ordinary, wealthy or needy, and above, equal, or under that estate in which she was before marriage . . .

A wife’s contentment is a great comfort to her husband lying under a cross, and it makes the burden seem much lighter than otherwise it would, if at least he is a kind husband, and affected with his wife’s feelings, as he ought to be. For a loving husband in every distress is more perplexed for his wife than for himself.

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for a Happy Marriage, 152-153.