What Kind of Wife Are We?

O. T. #1481  "What Kind of Wife Are We?
July 12, 2019
Proverbs 21-Part 2
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

LET IT GLOW

Are we a brawling or contentious woman? What are they like?

Brawling means discord, strife; contentious refers to a contest or quarrel; discord , strife.

Discord is a lack of agreement or harmony; strife is a bitter sometimes violent conflict, fight. (Webster Dictionary)

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

The corner of the housetop refers to a small room sometimes used for guests. It was built on the roof near the corner, and was accessible only by ladder. The room was small and less comfortable than the quarters below. It is better to dwell in these small quarters than to live to more comfortable quarters with a brawling woman who seeks to rule the house and will not be content unless everything goes her way.

Since roofs were open like patios, a small arbor or enclosure in the corner of a flat roof was a very inconvenient place to live. (MacArthur)

So, my conclusion is, that it is better for us to live alone peaceably in a small space than to live with a person that is criticizing and fighting all the time. Perhaps a bathroom or porch can be a getaway for prayer during those times. Men can be that way, as well as women.



LET IT GROW

Verse 19, NLT, refers to being alone in the desert is better than living with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
Wisdom and grace should not get us into returning railing for railing.

Matthew Henry tells us that a wife should be a comfort and a helper to her husband, as well as be good company for him.

I think we can extend this verse to a husband, a child, a parent, and a neighbor. Are we driving a person which we love to the wilderness, to be alone, to avoid being with us? Is there a person with whom we associate that is always angry or critical? Can we help them find love and contentment, which comes through Jesus?

Hint: If we can survive the early years of adjustment in marriage, it gets better.

LET IT GO

Jesus, help me live in harmony with my husband and others, serving them instead of mysself.
May I help others today?