Nagging – Proverbs 27:15
A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike.
Drip, drip, drip, the carping of a nag slowly, persistently, unrelentingly falls upon its victims. Resolute in gaining the desired result, oblivious to the folly and inefficacy of the pursuit, the nag badgers, annoys, and irritates by constant scolding and merciless urging.[1]
Seen in this light, nagging sounds appalling, and yet somehow we find ourselves justifying it as an act of love done only to protect others from their foolhardy ways. Desiring to make it seem virtuous, we defend it as necessary lest others suffer from the deprivation of our instruction. However, though we may attempt to repaint or rename it into something less ugly, nagging, having no commonality with the love, joy, faith, respect, and trust that flow from a heart yielded to the Holy Spirit, cannot be romanticized or legitimized. Rather than producing the sweet healing result of Christlike ministry into which God calls His people, it tortures its recipients, slowly, inexorably, wearing them down, exhausting them, and driving them to make unwise, even disastrous decisions just to escape it.[2] It produces only strife, and our families would be better off living on dry bread in a one-room flat than feasting in a mansion at a banquet served along with its unrelenting harassment.[3]
Unfortunately, many of us nag others, indulging in it when some concern seems to call for us to set things right. We vocalize ad nauseam our idea of the proper course others should take. We are indeed foolish and unbelieving Christians when we do so, for such behavior is not only futile but also destructive. Though we may delude ourselves into thinking our nagging will produce good results, we cause harm while revealing hearts of little faith, hearts depending on their own wisdom and strength rather than trusting in our omnipotent God.[4]
Recognize nagging for the sinful,
faithless behavior it is, and do not fall into its trap by tearing down your
own house with your bare hands.[5] Be wise. Put your confidence in God, trusting Him with
a faith that another’s deficiencies cannot shake, and as you bring the burdens
and concerns of your heart before the Lord in prayer, leaving them to His care,
you will have no need to nag. Rather,
you can expect to see miracles as the Lord honors your faithfulness.[6]
Drip, drip, drip
Listen to what I say
Drip, drip, drip
I’ll show you the best way
To accomplish thus and so
Or you’ll pay a pretty price
I know I’ve said it oft before
But here is my advice
Don’t look at me that way
Don’t act like you don’t care
My words are only for your good
And I insist that you beware
Of the folly of your course
Of your naïve stupidity
You’ll never be successful
Without listening to me
Drip, drip, drip
How dare you slam that door
Drip, drip, drip
I am just about to pour
Precious pearls of wisdom
In heaps upon your head
But rather than your thanking me
You sulk around instead
Drip, drip, drip
Why do I feel alone
Drip, drip, drip
After all the love I’ve shown
Why do they run away from me
Why does anger flare and crack
I only want to be of help
When I tell them what they lack
[1] Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
[2] Judges 16:16-17
[3] Proverbs 21:9, 17:1
[4] Proverbs 27:19
[5] Proverbs 14:1
[6] Proverbs 21:22
