No More Nagging

Nagging-wife elizabeth-george

When we decided to do some remodeling in our little house, I was dead-set on a fireplace. I knew we didn’t have it budgeted, so I very cleverly made remarks like, “Wouldn’t this be the perfect evening for a fire in the fireplace? If we had one!” Or, “Just think, if we had a fireplace, we could have dinner in front of a roaring fire.”

Finally Jim said, “Elizabeth, are you helping or hindering?” Oops! I vowed to myself never to mention that fireplace again. I made it a matter of prayer so my attitude would change.

Poor Communication

What happens when you and I don’t communicate God’s way with our husbands? What results from a failure to pay attention to God’s wise guidelines for our speech? Proverbs shares a vivid word picture:  

“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19).
“A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike” (Proverbs 27:15).


I’m sure you get the message—a nagging, argumentative, complaining, ill-tempered wife annoys her husband in the same way a con­stant drip gets on our nerves. Poor communication drives people away and isolates and divides us apart from our husband.So, let’s commit to speaking in ways described in Proverbs 25:11: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Great Communication

Words like apples of gold is speech that is priceless. Indescribable. Admirable. Exquisite. Desirable. This is what makes good communication … great! Here are several of God’s keys to godly speech. Your words are to be…

…soft. Our words affect those we are speaking to. Harsh, loud, rude tones and words lead to arguments, while gentle words bring peace. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

…sweet. If you’d like your point to be heard and understood, remember that “pleasant words promote instruction” and understanding (16:21 NIV).

…suitable. Kind, sweet words have a healing effect on both soul and body. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

…scant. As a wise person once put it, “Sometimes the most skillful use of the tongue is keeping it still.” “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

…slow. Make it your aim to “listen much, speak little, and not become angry” (James 1:19 TLB)! No good ever comes from sinful anger.

How about it? Are you willing to give up the nagging? To be a helper instead of a hinderer? Think about what a difference you will make when you stop nagging and you start assisting your husband and your children and praying for them.

RESPOND

God, I confess that I often hinder the health and wholeness of my family because I am selfish and stubborn. Release me from this destructive sin so that I build up this family you have blessed me with. Amen. 

RENEWING RESOURCES 

A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus - 30 Days to Christlike CharacterFind a treasure trove of truths and applications that will enable you to follow well in the footsteps of Jesus. Pick up this book and accompanying study guide today! 

REFLECT

Take notice of your tone you use when speaking to your family. Is it impatient, harsh, rude? What needs to change so your words are sweet and aid in great communication?

REMEMBER

If you’d like your point to be heard and understood, remember that “pleasant words promote instruction” and understanding (16:21 NIV).


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


Also in From Our Hearts

Forgiving Others by Elizabeth and Jim George
Forgiving Others

by Elizabeth George October 01, 2024

Family time offers many opportunities to gather with people who have hurt us and whom we may otherwise avoid. Thankfully, God’s Word can help us navigate such relationships.
Read More
Money Management is a Spiritual Issue
Money Management is a Spiritual Issue

by Elizabeth George September 17, 2024

I’ve heard it said that you can tell the spiritual maturity of a man by looking at his bank account or his credit card statements. Well, how do yours look? What do they reveal about you and your spiritual maturity? What would another person see if they were allowed a peek at your accounts?

Read More
elizabeth-george trusting-God-with-everything
Trusting God With Everything

by Elizabeth George September 03, 2024

Contentment is almost an extinct virtue, yet it is one of the greatest blessings in the world. The Word of God calls us to be content. In fact, Paul shares with us in 1 Timothy 6 that godliness with contentment is great gain and that food and clothing are all we need to be content
Read More