Nagging
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Nagging is a persistent and often irritating behavior characterized by repeated requests, complaints, or criticisms. In the context of biblical teachings, nagging is generally viewed as a negative trait that can lead to discord and strife within relationships, particularly within the family unit.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 21:9 (BSB): "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife." This verse highlights the discomfort and tension that can arise from living with someone who is contentious or nagging. The imagery of preferring to live on a corner of the roof underscores the extent to which nagging can disrupt peace and harmony in the home.

2. Proverbs 27:15-16 (BSB): "A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike—restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one's hand." Here, nagging is compared to a relentless and annoying drip of water, suggesting that it is both persistent and difficult to endure. The comparison to restraining the wind or grasping oil illustrates the futility of trying to control or change such behavior through human effort alone.

3. Proverbs 19:13 (BSB): "A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping." This verse again uses the metaphor of a constant drip to describe the wearisome nature of nagging. It implies that just as a foolish son can bring ruin, a nagging spouse can cause ongoing distress and disruption.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, nagging is often seen as a manifestation of deeper issues such as discontent, lack of trust, or a desire for control. It can be indicative of a heart that is not fully surrendered to God’s will or lacking in the fruits of the Spirit, such as patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Practical Implications:

In practical terms, nagging can erode the foundation of trust and respect in relationships. It can lead to resentment and emotional distance, making it difficult for individuals to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts. The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of gentle and respectful communication (Ephesians 4:2-3, BSB: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.").

Counsel for Believers:

Believers are encouraged to address the root causes of nagging through prayer, self-reflection, and seeking guidance from Scripture. By cultivating a spirit of gratitude and contentment, individuals can overcome the tendency to nag and instead foster an environment of love and mutual respect. The Bible calls for believers to "do everything without complaining or arguing" (Philippians 2:14, BSB), urging them to adopt a Christ-like attitude in all interactions.

In summary, while nagging is a common human behavior, it is one that Scripture advises against due to its potential to harm relationships and disrupt the peace that God desires for His people.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 21:19
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Ugly Thread in the Weaving.
... discontent and worse. In the discussion it is easy to pick out the two elements,
the nagging critics and the earnest seekers. And the ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the ugly thread in the.htm

That More Might be Given and Gotten.
... And that thing went on year after year. That teasing, nagging, picking of a small
nature was her constant prod. What an atmosphere for a home! ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/that more might be given.htm

Prayerful About Everything.
... If it were only big enough to hit, something worthy of one's strength. But the mean
little nagging specimen seems to elude every effort of yours. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/prayerful about everything.htm

How all the Saints have Confessed with Truth that they were ...
... In vain then is the sharpness of a nagging objection raised against this perfectly
clear truth, as a little while back you said: "If no one is without sin ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvii how all the.htm

Living Martyrs.
... tangled. It's only in the path of following clear leading that there comes
sweetest peace, with no nagging doubts and mental confusion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/living martyrs.htm

Dissolving views.
... He had been having very exasperating experiences with the national leaders from
Judea who dogged His steps, criticising and nagging at every turn, sowing seeds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/dissolving views.htm

Revival in the Home
... We think we know best, we want our way and we nag or boss the other one; and nagging
or bossing leads on to the tendency to despise the other one. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 6 revival in the.htm

The Builders
... her claim. I have seen her stand by the workmen, and with her nagging
tongue drive them, and the foreman, almost to despair. It ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xv the builders.htm

Judged by Fruit
... children. She was a fretting, chafing woman, and by her impatience,
fault-finding, and nagging she fretted and vexed the whole family. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xi judged by fruit.htm

Self-Examination
... old man with his deeds." Some people's idea of crucifying the "old man" is to set
him up on a pinnacle, and then walk around him and stick nagging pins into ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 10 self-examination.htm

Resources
Why were genealogies so important to Israel? | GotQuestions.org

Is abstinence before marriage a realistic message? | GotQuestions.org

If angels and demons can't die, what is the point of their engaging in battle? | GotQuestions.org

Bother: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Nagge: An Ancestor of Jesus
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