Proverbs 27:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;

NIV: A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

NASB: A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike;

CSB: An endless dripping on a rainy day and a nagging wife are alike;

NLT: A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

KJV: A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

NKJV: A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

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).

Proverbs 27:7–22 continues Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:1). He reflects on wealth, poverty, friendship, the wisdom of staying away from danger, good neighborly relationships, a nagging spouse, responsibility, and the tendency of foolish people to cling to their errors.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.