Tag Archives: way of righteousness

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)]
from Proverbs 20:6

A little bit more from Proverbs 20: Bless Your Children

Reading:
Proverbs 19:11-19

Soul: one’s own self

Soul: mind, will, emotions

Whichever and whatever your understanding of the soul, here’s something important to remember:

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die” (16).

Obedience and living within the law — the law of God primarily, but all law in general — has significant personal benefits.

I may think I “got away with” a certain infraction or disobedience, but I can think that only if I discount my relationship with God and overlook the impact on my own soul.

On the other hand, I may think I haven’t “gotten credit for” being conscientious and law-abiding, but I can think that only if I take God out of the picture and forget the blessing to my own soul.

[Glory to pass over a transgression (Proverbs 19:11)]
from Proverbs 19:11

A little bit more from Proverbs 19: Chasten Him

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