“The north wind brings forth rain and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance” (Proverbs 25:23).
Long before satellites and computer models, ancient weather forecasters carefully observed the wind direction (Prov. 25:23) and cloud formations (Mat. 16:2-3). These weather phenomena were dependable indicators of approaching weather. A wind out of the north in Palestine could quickly bring in the cool air off of Mount Hermon. Almost instantly, a violent storm could descend on the Sea of Galilee (see Mark 4:37) and a powerful thunderstorm could rumble through Palestine from north (Lebanon) to south (the wilderness of Kadesh) (see Ps. 29:3-8). Wind out of the north was a rainmaker.
Social storms often have their own weather predictors. A backbiting tongue will invariably produce a storm of strife and anger. Some people—like a contentious woman (v. 24)—relish their ability to kindle strife (Prov. 26:21). These toxic people are not happy until they have made others unhappy. What a miserable existence.
