Proverbs 27:15

KJV

¶ A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

KJV (with Strong's)

A continual {H2956} dropping {H1812} in a very rainy {H5464} day {H3117} and a contentious {H4079}{H4066} woman {H802} are alike {H7737}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A leak that keeps dripping on a rainy day and the nagging of a wife are the same -

Berean Standard Bible

A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—

American Standard Version

A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:15 employs a vivid simile to underscore the relentless and destructive nature of persistent domestic strife, comparing it to the inescapable annoyance of a continuous leak on a rainy day. This proverb highlights how a quarrelsome disposition, particularly within the home, can erode peace, create an unbearable atmosphere, and ultimately undermine the well-being of all involved, emphasizing the profound value of harmony and quietude in personal relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within the "Further Sayings of Solomon" (Proverbs 25-29), which were compiled by the men of Hezekiah. This chapter, like many in the book, offers practical guidance for daily living, focusing on interpersonal relationships, reputation, and the consequences of one's character. Proverbs 27:15 stands among other proverbs that address the challenges of living in community and the importance of self-control and wise speech, such as warnings against boasting (Proverbs 27:1) or the value of honest rebuke (Proverbs 27:5-6). The immediate verses often shift themes, but the overarching concern remains the cultivation of wisdom for a flourishing life, often contrasting wise and foolish behaviors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the home was the foundational unit of society, serving as the primary place for education, worship, and economic activity. Domestic harmony was therefore paramount for societal stability and individual well-being. Women held significant roles within the household, managing resources, raising children, and contributing to the family's reputation. Proverbs frequently addresses both men and women, offering guidance on their respective responsibilities and conduct. The imagery of a "rainy day" and "dropping" would have been immediately relatable in a climate where roofs were often made of packed earth or thatch, susceptible to leaks during the rainy season, causing significant discomfort and damage. The proverb speaks to a universal human experience of annoyance and the desire for peace within one's dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes **the destructive nature of strife and contention**, a recurring motif that warns against discord and highlights the value of peace (e.g., [Proverbs 17:1](/proverbs/17-1 "Proverbs 17:1 - Better a Dry Morsel with Quietness")). Secondly, it underscores **the profound impact of individual character and disposition on communal well-being**, particularly within the family. A person's words and attitudes, whether a source of peace or perpetual irritation, significantly shape the atmosphere of the home. Finally, the proverb implicitly champions **the importance of cultivating a peaceful and harmonious environment**, suggesting that true wisdom involves actively pursuing tranquility and avoiding behaviors that disrupt it, as seen in the broader call to wisdom that brings [pleasantness and peace](/proverbs/3-17 "Proverbs 3:17 - Wisdom's Pleasant Paths").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continual (Hebrew, _ṭârad'_):** From H2956, a primitive root meaning "to drive on" or "to follow close." Figuratively, it conveys the sense of something persistent, unceasing, or relentless. In this context, it emphasizes the unending nature of the "dropping" and, by extension, the "contentious" behavior, highlighting its constant, inescapable presence.
* **dropping (Hebrew, _deleph'_):** From H1812, referring to a "dripping" or "leak." This word vividly paints a picture of water steadily falling from a leaky roof, one drip after another, without cessation. It evokes the image of a minor but persistent annoyance that, over time, becomes maddening and destructive.
* **contentious (Hebrew, _mâdôwn'_):** From H4066, meaning "a contest or quarrel," encompassing "brawling, contention, discord, strife." This term describes a person characterized by a quarrelsome spirit, prone to argument, dispute, and creating conflict. The related H4079 (_midyân_) is a variation with the same core meaning. It implies not just occasional disagreement, but a habitual inclination towards argument and discord.
* **are alike (Hebrew, _shâvâh'_):** From H7737, meaning "to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble." This word establishes the direct comparison, asserting that the two seemingly disparate phenomena—a leaky roof and a quarrelsome woman—are indeed equivalent in their effect: both are persistently irritating, destructive to peace, and difficult to escape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A continual dropping in a very rainy day":** This clause sets the scene, presenting a common, relatable domestic nuisance. The "continual dropping" (H2956 _ṭârad_ and H1812 _deleph_) emphasizes the relentless, unceasing nature of the leak, not just an occasional drip. "In a very rainy day" (H5464 _çagrîyd_ and H3117 _yôwm_) intensifies the image, suggesting a period of prolonged, heavy rain, making the leak unavoidable and the discomfort pervasive. This creates a powerful sensory image of inescapable irritation and weariness.
* **"and a contentious woman are alike":** This clause introduces the second element of the comparison and draws the parallel. A "contentious woman" (H4066 _mâdôwn_ and H802 _ʼishshâh_) is characterized by a quarrelsome, argumentative, or nagging disposition. The verb "are alike" (H7737 _shâvâh_) explicitly states the equivalence of the two phenomena. Just as the constant drip erodes peace and comfort in the physical home, so too does a contentious spirit erode relational harmony and well-being within the domestic sphere, making life unbearable.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:15 masterfully employs **Simile** as its primary literary device, directly comparing "a continual dropping in a very rainy day" to "a contentious woman" using the explicit connector "are alike." This comparison is highly effective because it draws on a universal, relatable experience of annoyance and discomfort caused by something persistent and unavoidable. The **Imagery** of the dripping water vividly conveys the relentless, irritating, and ultimately destructive nature of constant nagging or quarreling. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the implied impact; while a leaky roof is certainly annoying, the proverb suggests an almost unbearable quality, mirroring the profound emotional toll that perpetual strife can take on a household. The proverb's concise structure and vivid comparison make its timeless truth memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb, while seemingly focused on a specific domestic challenge, resonates with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of wisdom, the importance of peace, and the impact of our words and character on others. It underscores the truth that true wisdom extends beyond intellectual knowledge to practical living, particularly in cultivating harmonious relationships. The constant "dropping" of contention, whether through nagging, criticism, or argument, is portrayed as antithetical to the shalom (peace, wholeness, well-being) that God desires for His people. It implicitly calls believers to embody the Spirit's fruit of peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, recognizing that our disposition profoundly affects the spiritual and emotional atmosphere of our homes and communities.

* [Proverbs 19:13](/proverbs/19-13 "Proverbs 19:13 - A Foolish Son and a Contentious Wife")
* [Proverbs 21:9](/proverbs/21-9 "Proverbs 21:9 - Better to Live on a Rooftop")
* [Ephesians 4:31-32](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31-32 - Put Away Bitterness and Be Kind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:15 offers profound wisdom that transcends its specific imagery, inviting us to examine the quality of our own interactions and the atmosphere we cultivate in our relationships, particularly within our homes. It challenges us to consider whether our words and attitudes are sources of refreshing peace or irritating friction. The proverb serves as a powerful reminder that consistent, negative communication, even if seemingly minor, can accumulate to create an unbearable environment, eroding joy, trust, and intimacy. True wisdom calls us to self-awareness, prompting us to identify and address any tendencies towards contention within ourselves. It encourages us to actively pursue peace, practice patience, and choose words that build up rather than tear down, fostering an environment where love, understanding, and mutual respect can flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own words or actions contribute to a "continual dropping" in my relationships?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in my home or workplace?**
* **How does the relentless nature of the "dropping" illustrate the cumulative effect of seemingly small acts of contention?**
* **What does this proverb teach me about the importance of self-control and the power of my disposition?**

### FAQ

**Does this proverb only apply to women, or is its message broader?**

Answer: While the King James Version specifically mentions "a contentious woman," the underlying principle of the proverb is universal and applies to anyone who exhibits a quarrelsome or nagging disposition, regardless of gender. The Book of Proverbs often uses specific examples or archetypes (like "the fool" or "the wise son") to illustrate broader truths about human character and behavior. The Hebrew word for "woman" (H802 _ʼishshâh_) is simply the feminine form, and in a patriarchal society, much of the domestic life revolved around the woman's sphere, making her a natural point of reference for domestic harmony or discord. However, the destructive impact of constant contention is not gender-specific. Other proverbs, for instance, warn against the dangers of a "hot-tempered man" ([Proverbs 29:22](/proverbs/29-22 "Proverbs 29:22 - A Hot-Tempered Man Stirs Up Conflict")), demonstrating that contentious behavior is a human failing, not limited to one gender. The core message is about the profound negative impact of persistent strife on any relationship or home.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")). While the proverb highlights the destructive nature of contention, Christ embodies and teaches the path of peace, reconciliation, and self-sacrificial love. His life was marked by a spirit of gentleness and humility, even in the face of immense provocation ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Take My Yoke Upon You")). Instead of a "continual dropping" of discord, Jesus offers a continuous stream of grace and truth, bringing healing and restoration to broken relationships. The New Covenant, established through His sacrifice, empowers believers with the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of peace, patience, kindness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")), transforming contentious hearts into instruments of harmony. Through Christ, we are called not to merely avoid contention, but to actively pursue peace with all people ([Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")), embodying His character and bringing His shalom into our homes and communities.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:13

¶ A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

Proverbs 21:9

¶ [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:19

¶ [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 25:24

¶ [It is] better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

Job 14:19

The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.