Reading the Word

Proverbs 27:15–16 (ESV)
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.

Understanding and Applying the Word

The Book of Proverbs speaks of life with a quarrelsome wife in multiple places (cf. Proverbs 21:9, 19; 25:24). Here, being married to such a wife is compared to the continual dripping on a rainy day. Just like the constant drip wears on a person over time, so does the quarrelsome wife. To make matters worse, to try to restrain such a person is like trying to restrain the wind or grasp oil in the hand. It cannot be done.

While this passage focuses on the quarrelsome wife, we must remember the same holds true concerning the quarrelsome husband. The context of the Book of Proverbs is teaching being passed down to a son from a father. This does not make the wisdom found in this book any less applicable for daughters. The idea is that those who are wise choose their relationships carefully because they have a great impact on life. Be careful who you marry. Consider carefully the type of person the other person is before tying the knot because you will get to spend the rest of your life with them.

---

**If you enjoy reading Shaped by the Word, please consider sharing this post on social media. Doing so helps us reach a larger audience. Thanks for reading!

Follow Shaped by the Word on WordPress or Facebook.