Proverbs 21:19-20 (ESV)
19 It is better to live in a desert land
than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,
but a foolish man devours it.
Previously, the Proverbs cautioned that a man would be better on his roof than in his home with a quarrelsome woman. Now the Proverbs add more to the warning. Although the desert is uncomfortable, lonely, and even dangerous, a solitary existence in the wasteland is preferable to living with a quarrelsome woman. The fretful woman stirs up trouble in her home. She is constantly worried about tomorrow and attempts to control her husband and her circumstances. No wonder her husband would be better off looking for a rock to hide under. In contrast, the dwelling of the wise man abounds with food, trust, and peace. But given to a fool, the best circumstances are quickly gulped down and selfishly consumed. Are you a fretful woman? Do you stress out about what will happen tomorrow, next week, or even next year? If anxiety plagues you, why not follow the advice of Jesus by focusing on this day? Resist any futile desire to control the future.