| Reading: Proverbs 20:1-10 |
Why do people fight, argue, clash, contend, or not get along?
Sometimes it’s to “protect their honor.”
I can identify with that.
So what about this “wild idea”?
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (3).
Cease from strife?
Just how is that done?!
I suppose it begins with a series of decisions, some of which may need to be made over and over.
- I must decide to resist a contentious spirit within me.
- I must decide to value genuine peace.
- I must decide to put God’s honor above my own.
- I must decide to forgive.
I’m sure there are more, but that’s good as a beginning.
Now, here are four more verses that pertain.
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with” (Proverbs 17:14).
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11).
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
What is in me?
Who is in me?
![[Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (Proverbs 20:6)]](/pantinghart/wp-content/whocanfind-b.jpg "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (Proverbs 20:6)")
from Proverbs 20:6
A little bit more from Proverbs 20: Bless Your Children