“Hen-pecked” is great imagery because it’s easy to picture that sharp-beaked chicken peck, peck, pecking an innocent bystander. The Bible minces no words when describing the nagging woman. No one wants to be around her (Prov. 21:9) and she is as annoying as a continual drip on a rainy day (Prov. 27:15).
Godly wives try to avoid nagging. We don’t want to make our husbands miserable and we know God expects us to respect and honor them (Eph. 5:33). But I don’t think the home is the only place where nagging women can be found. Nagging involves persistent fault-finding, criticizing, grumbling, and harassing. If we’re not careful, we can become the constant dripping in the church. The shrew on the pew:
- Watches members with a critical eye. You can see her lift her eyebrows when she spies a teen with an odd hairstyle or a youth minister laughing too loudly.
- Knows what’s best for everyone. She tsk-tsks at the antics of young couples or the decisions made by the elders. She doubts most people really know what they’re doing.
- Stirs up trouble. She can’t seem to help dropping a whispered word here and there questioning the character of unsuspecting brothers and sisters.
- Is never satisfied. In her mind, no one calls enough, visits enough, or cares enough.
- Doubts the sincerity of others. When others offer a kind word or gesture, she questions their motives or assumes they’re only duty-driven.
Harpies in the house of the Lord create an unwelcome, harsh environment. Women truly play a big role in the overall tone of the church. Am I compassionate and encouraging? Or am I quick to peck God’s family to death?
Prayer for Today: Thank you, Lord, for women who demonstrate Your love to all the saints.
