Proverbs 20:3: It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.
Insight
One of the marks of a Christian should be that he does not prolong tension and strife. Someone has said that the only persons we should try to “get even with” are the people who have helped us. In other words, repay good with good. But don’t try to get even with your enemies. It is on that basis that God tells us not to avenge ourselves. It is actually a departure from the pathway of faith to attempt to take matters into our own hands. God can do it lots better than we can. “Let your sweet reasonableness be known unto all men.” That is the meaning of the proverb—“It is an honor for a man to cease from strife.” How important it is! 1
Application
Do not respond with evil for evil. Instead, be yielded to God. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). Instead of reacting with harsh hatred in your attitude and in your words, why not start responding with lovingkindness? Measure your words with His grace. Be thankful that He never gave you what you deserved. Perhaps you can shock someone in your home today with an abundance of undeserved grace and love.
Motivation
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? James 4:1
When striving stops, love can begin. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, forgive me for striving and for not trusting that You are in control of everything.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
