The wife should ever be vigilant about the security and happiness of her lord. There is no one more concerned about the welfare of the husband than the wife. Others, however eminent, will always have some little egoism mixed in the advice they give. (RKRV Part II, pp. 105-106)
Sita approached Rama and said: ‘Lord! Those who have desires commit three evils: Uttering falsehood, eyeing other ladies, and committing violence. Certainly, You are free from the first two evils. I firmly believe that You can never utter falsehood, for You are the Embodiment of Truth’. Rama felt happy at these words of Sita and said: ‘It is certainly a qualification for a man to be described as a virtuous person by his own wife. Sita, I am happy that you have recognized My affinity to Truth’. Sita continued: ‘You are also free from the weakness of looking at the wives of others. This is another great virtue in you. But I cannot appreciate Your committing violence on the beasts and demons. These demons are in no way harming You.’ Rama smiled at these words and said: ‘Sita, though you have spoken the truth, My conduct is in consonance with the promise I gave to the Sages and aspirants here. I am bound by My duty and want to stand by My promise. Though these demons are not harming Me personally, they are subjecting My devotees to untold suffering. They ruthlessly disturb the sacrifices performed by the Sages. The Sages perform sacrifices for the welfare and well being of mankind. I cannot but resort to violence for the well-being of mankind’. Sita realised her mistake and sought the forgiveness of Rama by touching His feet. The conduct of Sita is in consonance with the scriptural injunction:
The wife should advice her husband well! When he indulges in evil; She should be like a Minister who advises the King properly. In fact women should follow the example of Mandodhari who always struggled to mend the ways of her husband, Ravana. (SSB 1996, pp. 44-45)