Drip . . . Drip . . . Drip . . .

The contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. . . .But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:13-14 (NKJV)

Contention. Contention means “argumentative, ready to pick a fight.”

Our proverb today tells us that “the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping”—drip, drip, drip. Have you ever heard a description of Chinese water torture? The victim is trapped in place. Water is slowly dripped on the forehead so he can see each drop coming. Over a long, unceasing time, he is driven frantic. Drip, drip, drip, never really letting up. When one drop lands, you know there’s another coming. Can you see that we as women can do that when we get into the habit of being negative? Sharp little looks, negative words, criticisms, put-downs, never letting our husbands be right or respected. This is maybe even worse than physical torment. It pierces the soul. Do you see how this wears everyone down?

On the other hand, a prudent wife is from the Lord. Yes, indeed a wife that is gracious and wise, she’s a gift. “Every good gift . . . is from above” (James 1:17, NKJV). And so we as wives, and as women in any relationship, have to know that God can and will change us. If we have fallen into a bad, negative habit, this would be a perfect time to be honest with the need to change. It is also a great time to look up, call out, and ask the Lord himself to make us prudent wives who are blessings.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

A survey was done asking men why they cheated on their wives. You’ll be surprised at the number four reason: “My wife is a nag. She thrives on making me feel like dirt, nagging, fighting, and putting me down.” Of course, that is not a good excuse, but evidently it has driven many men away seeking silence and/or support. A prudent wife might have just as many issues to deal with in her marriage, but she handles them kindly. Will you take this to heart?

One Year Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 22:1–23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14