Flood Line

Read Proverbs 17

Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:14

How vivid is the picture of quarrelsome words opening a floodgate and letting loose a torrent of anger. However, this proverb is not telling non-confrontational people to keep their hurt and anger stopped up behind a dam. There is a place for talking through difficulties and differences of opinion—in fact, in healthy relationships, it has to be done.

The writer is advising us not to begin a quarrel. In other words, when we need to talk about some hurt or to deal with some anger, there is a way to start the conversation and there is a way not to start it. To begin with a volley of accusations or even a heated voice will start a quarrel and open the floodgates. How much better to drop the matter, at least for the time being. Then we can calmly find the right way to communicate how we feel and talk it through in a healthy manner.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Wisdom drains a resentment reservoir.

Lord, help me to deal in a right way with the hurts, disagreements, and concerns I have with people close to me. If I feel quarrelsome, help me to wait for a better time. Help me to speak calmly and to express myself clearly. Help me to listen to what the other person says to me.