Manipulative Women

Manipulative Women

Samson’s Bride And Delilah

Read: Judges 14:16-17; 16:15-16

“Did you ask Travis about our girls-only road trip to Florida?” asked Joanie.

“He said we can’t afford it this year,” Sandy responded.

“Oh, I’m so sorry you won’t be with us.”

“Don’t worry,” Sandy laughed. “I’ll be stretched out on the beach with the rest of you. After a few days of my pouting and sulking, he’ll cave in. If worse comes to worst, I’ll turn on the waterworks—that gets him every time.”

Sandy sounds like two of the women in Samson’s life. When his bride wanted to learn the answer to his riddle in order to save her life, she cried steadily for three days until he gave in. When Delilah wanted to learn the secret to his strength in order to betray him, she also pouted and pestered him. Each woman accused Samson of not really loving her and tormented him with her nagging until she finally got what she wanted.

Some women are experts at manipulating others to get what they want. They respond to frustration and disappointment with nagging, arguing, the silent treatment (which Samson probably would have preferred), or overly emotional reactions. These can even become ingrained habits that some of us revert to unconsciously, but if we substitute manipulative techniques for honest communication, we risk fostering resentment and anger in our relationships. We also make it difficult for others to respect us.

It is tempting to adopt similar attitudes toward God. We may openly or subconsciously accuse him of not really loving us when we face troubles and trials. Our praying may become more like pouting. God wants us to be open with him about our emotions and desires. He also wants us to trust him instead of trying to manipulate him. He doesn’t want us to act like Sandy or one of Samson’s women.

A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

Proverbs 27:15 (NKJV)