15. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.†
The figure of the dropping has been given before. (Chapter 19:13.) The time is here added — a very rainy day, shutting us up at home.† There is rain without and within, both alike troublesome; the one preventing us from going abroad with comfort; the other from staying at home in peace. The storm within is however much the most pitiless. Shelter may be found from the other. None from this. The other wets only the skin; this even to the bones. Contention with a neighbor is a sharp shower, over and gone. This is a continual dropping, the bane of a house, even though replete with every luxury.
Whether the woman lusts for rule, or repines under the obligation to submit; either principle breaks the rank in which God has placed her. Occasions always present themselves for the display of this unhappy temper. After the attempts to soothe and pacify her, the “return of clouds after rain” betokens more showers, and dispels the hope which a passing sunbeam may have raised. Unrestrained by Divine grace, she becomes her husband's torment, and her own shame. For as soon might we hide the wind that it should not be known, or the ointment of our right hand, that it might not bewray itself; as restrain her tongue, or hide her turbulence. Nay — as the wind pent up howls more frightfully; so the attempt to still her noise only makes her more clamorous.
Such repeated warnings seem to be needful. “Fleshly lusts” too often rule conscience and judgment in the important choice. “Such shall have trouble in the flesh.” (1 Corinthians 7:28.) Prudence and prayer, not blind affection, give the only security of happiness and peace.
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