A Continual Dripping

"A continual dripping on a very rainy day

And a contentious woman are alike;

Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,

And grasps oil with his right hand."

Proverbs 27:15-16

So, I read these verses this morning and I started thinking.  In what ways am I a continual dripping to my husband, my family, and those that I come in contact with? 

First, I need to fully understand what a continual dripping is.  Continual...never ceasing, right?  Wow, that in itself is convicting.  When I think about a dripping, leaky roof, I think the noise alone is annoying.  But you also have to think, if it is continual, there are going to be some after effects.  Such as, a roof that needs to be mended, possibly a bad odor, or even a floor that has to be replaced.  So, the continual dripping isn't just an annoying noise, it causes problems in other areas.  If I am a continual dripping, it's going to affect more than the person I am directing it at.  It's going to overflow to others.  Consequently, affecting everyone in my home.

A lot of things cross my mind when I actually stop and ponder in what ways I am a continual dripping: nagging my husband, giving my children things to keep them busy instead of playing or reading with them, or even talking over others in a converstaion instead of listening to what they have to say.  I pray that God will help me to not be a contentious woman.  It doesn't seem easy to live with a continual dripping or a contentious woman, and I want my family to enjoy being around me. 

Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.  Impossible.  It is impossible to grasp wind.  It is also impossible to grasp oil with your hand.  Oh goodness...I pray that I am not so hard to live with or be around that there is no restraining my contentiousness. 

I pray to be a more pleasant person.

"She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her childen rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

'Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.'

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord,

she shall be praised."

Proverbs 31:27-30



May God help me to be more humble and selfless.