A woman has such power and influence in her home, environment and relationships.  

Each day the words we speak, the actions we take and the attitudes we hold/display can be as irritating as a dripping, leaky pipe or poured out like streams of sparkling, refreshing waters.  Over time, the first can cause corrosion and serious damage, while the latter can quench, heal and satisfy.

Proverbs 27:15-17 “A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike; he who would restrain her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand. Iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.”

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for restrain in this verse is tsaphan, which can also be translated as treasured or esteemed. So when I read this, all I could think of was how could my husband treasure and esteem me if I was constantly quarrelsome and nagging?  Quite the opposite — it would push him away. I know I don’t want to be around people like that – I want to avoid them, certainly not treasure my time with them nor seek out their companionship. As hard as he might want to treasure me, my actions would make it as hard for him as “grasping oil with the hand.”

If I am to be a woman of excellence (whether single or married), I want to be a person that lifts others up and helps them feel encouraged and blessed having spent time with me. As a wife/lover/friend/partner I want to bring positive and stimulating conversation to the table, sharing thoughts and ideas that will strengthen and sharpen my relationship with my husband and help promote a home environment of peace, joy and love.

Only I can choose to my words, attitudes and actions this day – regardless of my surroundings or circumstances. How about you? Will you sound like renewal and healing, or will there be the abrasive, droning tones of drip… drip… drip?