WHAT A FOOL CONCEIVES
PROVERBS 20:3
PROVERBS 20:3 NKJ
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
OBSERVATION:
Okay, I know the title is a play on the Doobie Brothers song from the '70s, but I just couldn't resist.
Once again, the Proverbs cuts right to the chase without much of a buffer. In this verse is the contrast between an honorable man and a fool.
It's an honorable thing to stop strife, contention, and quarrels. I regret that I did not take this verse to heart earlier in my walk with the Lord. I would have been much more honorable, and Joy and my children would not have experienced nearly as much pain.
I was too contentious in my earlier years. Joy would accurately accuse me of loving to argue. The honorable thing would have been to stop striving and stop strife. Instead, I was a fool.
Now don't get offended by that word. I did not say that; the scriptures, the wisdom of God, says that. And besides, I am talking about me. Any fool can start a quarrel. And today, we are surrounded by people acting like fools. Striving, combative, and in their own mind justified in their actions. And yet there is nothing in scripture that encourages strife.
One of the leaders of the early church, who was also known for bluntness, spoke directly to strife. James said God's wisdom was pure, peaceable, and gentle, while strife was evil and produced confusion.
So, let's make it our aim to stop strife and quarreling and arguing. It will not reach people, change people or witness to them of God's goodness. Let's be people of honor and stop strife.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me stop being a source of strife. And help me show honor to You and others by leaving off quarreling.