How different do you think the Proverbs would be if they had been composed by women?
As I write this, it is the season of Advent, the time of year we remember how the three wise men brought symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. You may have heard the wry observation that, had they been wise women instead, they would have brought practical, helpful gifts to Mary, like maybe a baby blanket and a casserole! (They also would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, and there would be peace on earth!) It's hard telling what female authorship of the Bible might have meant to the world.
Anyway, the Proverbs were written by men. Perhaps that is why we find such nuggets of truth as,
"It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife" (vs. 9).
"It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful wife" (vs. 19).
Presumably, Solomon knew what he was talking about, what with the large number of wives and concubines he had!
In an attempt to be evenhanded, I believe that Solomon's proverbs could probably go either way, as far as the genders are concerned. When peace is lacking between spouses - whichever sex you happen to be - the case is generally miserable for all concerned.
Solomon makes the point, but doesn't offer much in the way of solutions. I guess the implied answer would be that, whatever it takes to keep your spouse happy and "non-contentious", it is a worthwhile investment!
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