Proverbs 27:15 NKJV — A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;
Ouch!
This stings, because it hits close to the heart.
The Lord is making it clear that a woman, who is of a contentious attitude, wears on those around her.
Contention will erode relationships as steadily as water will wear away stone.
Left to itself, a continual dripping can make marked damage, thus we can see that bitterness and an argumentative attitude bring devastation.
But the proverb doesn’t end there.
This contentious woman can’t be restrained by outward efforts.
Proverbs 27:16 NKJV — Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.
No one is going to fix this woman.
But God.
Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke the spiral of sin and rescues us from the futility of “looking out for number 1”.
Through the acceptance of His sacrifice anyone can be freed from a life of sin and selfish ambition.
For where does contentions come from?
James 4:1 NKJV — Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
1 John 1:9 KJV — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 4:10 NKJV — Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
As any follower of Christ can testify, our sinful nature doesn’t die easily nor quickly, and thus each of us can take a warning from these words in Proverbs.
It is vital that we guard both our hearts and our lips, that we not allow contention to reside in either place.
Colossians 4:6 KJV — Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word and Your truth. Lord, please help each of us to guard our hearts and minds from those things which would grow contention. Lord, please purify our perspective, that we might not allow unforgiveness, wrath, evil speaking, bitterness, envy, or anything else which would lead us astray. Lord, please help us to remember Your love and to walk in Your wisdom. Lord, help us to be humble and filled with Your grace. Thank You for all Your blessings. Thank You for warning us of those things which lead us away from You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 