Drip, Drip, Drip, Drip!

“A continual dropping in a very rainy day
and a contentious woman are alike” (Prov 27:15).

Rain is nice, and plants and flowers need rain to grow, but sometimes rain gets old! When it just rains day after day, it can really get obnoxious. Besides being unpleasant, it can also be destructive. Rain dripping off buildings or trees can wear away just about anything over time: dirt, wood, or even stone.
The writer of this proverb uses dripping rainwater wearing things down and becoming a burden as an illustration of a quarrelsome woman. Nobody wants to hear a woman nag and complain—especially her husband! She may wear him down with her arguing and bickering and get what she wants, but she does not please God or help her husband.
Of course, none of you girls are married, but someday you may be. You should already be on guard against that kind of complaining spirit in yourself. If you see it, you ought to confess your sin to God immediately! This nagging and complaining spirit is disobedient to God (think about Philippians 2:14, “do all things without murmurings and disputings”). Furthermore, this kind of argumentative attitude will not be submissive to your husband (cf. Eph 5:22–23). While you may get what you want if you complain loudly or nag long enough, it will not please God and it will drive others (even your future husband) away from you. Become a godly woman who is content, kind, and submissive.
Guys, hopefully you are not picking out a wife just yet, but don’t be fooled by a pretty face that hides a nagging, complaining spirit. Pay attention to how a girl responds to her parents—especially when she doesn’t get her way. Her response should be very enlightening to you and even help you avoid a long, rainy marriage.