Fierce Marriage The Single Biggest Predictor of Divorce and How to Avoid It in Your Marriage
Feb 10, 2026
They unpack contempt as the top predictor of divorce and trace its roots to self-righteousness and entitlement. They map how thoughts, language, and habits become seeds of contempt. They use a biblical parable to spotlight unforgiveness and offer grace, perspective, and practical ways to arrest contemptuous patterns.
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Contempt Is The Most Dangerous Sign
- Contempt is the most insidious of the Gottman 'four horsemen' because it combines self-righteousness and entitlement.
- It shows as anger mixed with disgust and slowly corrodes marriage health.
Capture Contemptuous Thoughts Immediately
- Take hostile or resentful thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.
- Practice self-control by the Spirit to prevent thoughts from seeding contempt.
Three Seed Categories For Contempt
- Contempt grows from three seed categories: thoughts, language, and habits.
- Early detection in any of these areas prevents the full bloom of contempt.