Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 21:9)

Many times couples argue about everything: husband’s snoring, his job, wife’s housekeeping, her out-of-control spending, etc.

It’s one thing for a couple to engage in a disagreement or argue about something specific, that’s part of living with another person, but it’s something completely different to continuously criticize one another – “you’re such a slob, you’re always negative, I wouldn’t have to nag if you’d just do what I ask!”

In real life there’s nothing amusing about a husband and wife who constantly pick at each other. Bickering erodes respect and eats away at a relationship. Plus, it’s plain old sin, which has no place in a marriage.

Squabbling with each other is like termites destroying a house. It is a continual chomping away at our relationship that would eventually lead to destruction. Instead, we have to make a conscious effort to be kind and considerate of each other.
Proverbs 17:19 says “Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin.”
Provers 19:13 warns “A quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.” And Proverbs 17:14 states “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam.”

Constant arguing unleashes a flood of trouble, beginning with spouting words that you may later regret.

Proverbs 21:9 says it’s “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

The workshop in the garage or an office in the basement might do as well. Or maybe just the other bedroom. Any way you look at it, a quarrelsome person invites distance. Choose to treat each other with kindness and respect instead, and see how much you enjoy each other’s company.

LET’S TALK

• How do you feel when we see another couple quarreling? What’s our opinion of their relationship?
• Why do we quarrel with each other? What are some emotions that fuel bickering?
• If we have slipped into the habit of picking at each other, either when we are alone or with others, what are some ways we might break out of this vicious cycle?

NOTE: This is a much needed devotion in most of the marriages. So, kindly don’t put it aside and do it together, and work on this most important area of our marriage. God bless your togetherness!