Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
This verse identifies two heavy, ongoing burdens that disrupt peace and happiness in a household.
‘ A foolish son is the calamity of his father.’ A son who is morally or spiritually foolish brings grief, shame, and hardship to his parents. He may squander opportunities, rebel against guidance, and engage in destructive behaviour. Why is it called “calamity”? His choices cause emotional pain, financial loss, and sometimes public disgrace for the family (10:1; 17:21, 25). Examples: The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-16) initially brought sorrow before his repentance; Absalom’s rebellion devastated David (2Sam. 15-18). The sorrow of Eli over his corrupt sons (1Sam. 2:22-36) shows how wayward children can ruin even the reputation of a godly parent.
‘A contentious wife are a continual dropping.’ A quarrelsome or argumentative spouse becomes a constant irritation, like the relentless drip of water. Image of “continual dropping”: Like water leaking on a roof, the persistent sound wears down patience; similarly, incessant nagging makes peace impossible (27:15-16). One cannot find rest, sitting, standing, working, or sleeping, because conflict pervades every moment. “Better to live in a corner of the housetop, than with a quarrelsome wife in a wide house” (21:9). “Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman” (21:19). These verses emphasise how unbearable constant conflict is, regardless of wealth or comfort.
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