Nag, Nag, Nag

Nag, Nag, Nag

Read Proverbs 27:1-27

5. An open rebuke is better than hidden love!
6. Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
7. A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.
8. A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest.
9. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
10. Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.
11. Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.
12. A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:5-12

“When are you going to fix the sink? Will you please fix the sink? I’m tired of waiting for you to fix the sink.” That’s a great conversation, isn’t it?

Proverbs 27 takes aim at nagging. What alternatives are there to this persistent complaining? Words of love, for starters.

As you read about nagging, note the other lessons in this chapter on not boasting about tomorrow; not withholding a rebuke; and not making promises for others.

Nagging, a persistent attempt to make another person do something, has been called a mild form of domestic torture. Unfortunately, this steady stream of unwanted advice abuses the person our advice is meant to help. People also nag to make others do things, but that isn’t right, either (Proverbs 27:15-16). Besides, constantly pushing someone will only make them less willing to sympathize with your agenda.

The next time you’re tempted to nag, try to imagine why the person might not be acting on your advice or wishes. You may discover that those reasons may be as legitimate as your own. In addition, you may want to examine your motives: are you more concerned about yourself—getting your way—than about the other person? If you truly care about other people, try using a more effective way to communicate your concerns. For example, ask the person to do something in an open-ended way, leaving the person some options for accomplishing the task. You could even offer to help.