"A constant drip-ping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike" (Prov. 27:15). "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman" (Prov. 21:19). "The contentions of a wife are a constant dripping" (Prov. 19:13). "It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman" (Prov. 25:24).

Unfortunately, being contentious is not confined to women. Men can be "drips," too. While it is no excuse, some women are negative and argumentative because they constantly are being berated by belligerent men. Treat your wife like a thoroughbred, and she will not be an old nag.

Perhaps some men have contentious wives because theyhave never learned: (1) That "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh tongue stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1); (2) That "a hot tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger pacifies contention" (Prov. 15:18); (3) That "Pleas-ant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Prov. 16:24); (4) That "like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife" (Prov. 26:21). So, men, before we complain about our "contentious" wives, let us examine the tenor of our tongues. If your wife is a "drip," it may be because you are all wet.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 14, p. 24
July 18, 1996