Calming Quarrels

Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin.

Proverbs 17:19

Are you argumentative? Do you feel that you constantly have to have the last word, prove your point, show why others are wrong? Do you have to have an opinion on everything?

When there is a controversy on the news in politics, do you feel that you have to follow all the details, although there is nothing you can do about it? Do you get angry at people on talk shows but continue to watch them?

Whenever there is some sort of conflict at church, do you get involved or at least need to know about it? Do you take sides and then defend your position?

I hope I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes. Wrong. I hope I am. As a matter of fact, I really hope this is hitting home with someone out there. Arguing is not good. Our proverb is very matter of fact: “Anyone who loves a quarrel loves sin.” If you think that’s blunt, listen to Ecclesiastes 10:12: “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips” (NIV).

So calm down. Let it go. Second Timothy 2:24 says, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, [she] must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (NIV).

James 1:20 says, “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (NIV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Are bickering and blaming part of your family culture? God’s Word has some good insight in James 4:1-3: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. . . . You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (NIV).

Let’s Pray

Lord, when someone is irritable or irritating, help me to keep a quiet heart and a silent tongue.

One Year Bible Reading

2 Kings 1:1–2:25; Acts 13:42–14:7; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 17:19-21