Pugnacious or Peaceable?

“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.” Proverbs 17:14

Strife. This is something that all of humanity struggles with. Why? Because we’re all human…and we all have our OWN opinions! Right? Our flesh hates to be told it’s wrong, so, as a result, strife begins. We must own up to the fact that we are NOT always right. But, even if we are right, must we argue about it? (Remember, it takes two to argue.) Probably not, considering that the majority of the time it’s over petty things…(notice, I am not speaking of taking a firm stand for truth from God’s Word). Why not resolve here and now that we are not going to add wood to the fire but rather purpose to speak with a soft answer as Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

We have two choices:  1. A Soft Answer and 2. Grievous Words. Which will we choose? If we are wise, we will choose the first one. To continually choose the latter over petty matters is evidence that we are giving in to the flesh and therefore adding kindle to the fire. Look at what Proverbs 26:21 says, “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” It takes courage to NOT argue. The question is, do we have that courage? “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.”  Proverbs 20:3     

Below are some more verses concerning strife:

Proverbs 15:18, ” A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”   

Proverbs 16:28a  “A froward man soweth strife:…”    

Proverbs 26:20  “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”   

Proverbs 28:25a  “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife:…”

Proverbs 29:22  “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”

~ Bethany ~