What does Proverbs 27:15 mean?

While Solomon's imagery here implies a "wife," the concept applies equally to either spouse and both genders. Constant dripping from a leak or persistent rain both become annoying. The effects of a single drip are minor. Even the thousandth drip, itself, is minor. But the experience of constantly being "nagged" by such a thing becomes unbearable. The same is true of a spouse who habitually complains or irritates their partner.

When God saw that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone, He created Eve from Adam's side and presented her to Adam as a fitting helpmate (Genesis 2:18, 21–22). The two were one, and from that day forward husband and wife were to exist as a loving unit (Genesis 2:24). Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Wives are commanded to "submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). A nagging spouse disobeys this command and dishonors God's purpose for marriage.

The following verse expands on this problem by noting how difficult it can be to stop such bad behavior. The "nagging" spouse must make the choice to change; trying to force that on them is like trying to hold oil in one's hand (Proverbs 27:16). After this, Solomon notes the benefits involved in positive interactions (Proverbs 27:17).