For better, for worse is man-made coinage.
I have attended so many marriages and all of them have this statement “for better, for worse” to the intending couples. To tell the truth, this statement has never gone well with me. Marriage should never be for better or for worse; it should not be a do-or-die affair. This statement alone has destroyed so many lives that would have been preserved.
It is interesting to note that this coinage is made and does not have any divine origin. It's not even backed up by God. As a Christian, I've read all through the Bible, and I've not seen where God says marriage is for better, for worse.
I remembered one marriage ceremony I attended last year, when it was time for the would-be couples to take their marriage vows, the priest asked them to repeat those words after him. He said, “for better and for worse,” and the bride responded with something else. She says “ for better and for better”. It was funny to everyone. I think that's how marriage should be.
When situations get to the extent that one's life is at stake, they should be separated. Staying in marriage because it's for better and for worse is an unwise decision one could make.
Human nature is dynamic, and as such, a once glorious human can turn animalistic, and in such a case, it will be dangerous to continue living with such a person.
In all of this, I am talking about domestic violence in marriages. I do not condone domestic violence of any kind in marriage. This has led to many deaths and injuries. I advocate that instead of someone's life being lost in marriage, there should be a divorce.
Another scenario is the issue of infidelity. When partners are not faithful to each other, it is better that they separate from each other. Infidelity has brought lots of pain to each other. For example, a woman was infected with a deadly disease by her husband, and she lived with the pains and discomfort that came with such.
Consequently, to avoid the bitter experience that comes with infidelity, I think it is proper for people in marriages to disengage.
Marriage should never be for better or for worse. This is my stand and I hope that people will have a rethink when they make this vow to themselves.
Issues in marriages are inevitable because humans are involved in them. However, when those issues escalate into endangering human lives, then such is not marriage anymore but persecution.