Hen-Pecked Husbands

by Crystal Paine

As many of you know, I grew up "out in the country" where we had a small assortment of animals, among them a number of chickens. If you've not had the opportunity to observe at length the behaviors of chickens, let me just say that it is quite interesting. We all know the term "pecking order" but seeing it in real life puts a whole new meaning to it!

We were always amazed at how the chickens would pick and peck on each other. They would often gang up on one particular bird and continuously peck and peck day after day until that poor thing had hardly any feathers left. It would be left in a sad and sorry state for sure.

How often are we just like these chickens towards our husbands? Of course, none of our husbands are perfect, but do we need to constantly be pointing out little thing after little thing that they do which bothers us?

I know it is easy to do. I want my husband to be "the standard" of Godliness and on those few occasions when he fails I think it is my God-ordained job to point out his shortcomings to him. Instead of building him up, I am pecking at him, plucking out feather after feather, bringing him down.

Take a good look at your husband. Does he look hen-pecked-- worn down from days, months, or even years of your constant nagging? I'll let you in on a little secret: Men don't like nagging. :) Believe me, I've tried it and it doesn't work. In fact, it often produces the opposite effect.

Replace the pecking and plucking with praising. That's something your husband will appreciate!

Crystal Paine is a 24-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and joyful mother of Kathrynne. Visit her site, Biblical Womanhood, for books, articles, encouragement, and inspiration!

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