Stirring Up Trouble

Don’t envy evil peopleor desire their company.For their hearts plot violence,and their words always stir up trouble.

Proverbs 24:1-2

Ladies, this is a piece of advice we need to make sure we apply. Wicked people are troublemakers and trouble-talkers. There can be no greater trouble than a woman who is on the warpath.

There are many examples in the Bible of people who stirred up trouble with their words. On the journey to the Promised Land the Israelites grumbled many times. In Numbers 11 the rabble began to crave other food besides the manna. They were unthankful, and yet they had never missed a meal. No, they just wanted fish and cucumbers. It’s been said, “Contentment is not getting what you want but wanting what you have.” Well, they complained, and pretty soon everyone was unhappy. Everyone was complaining. It spread like the plague. Then Moses got discouraged. He wanted to give up. Can you see how complaining can make your husband or your pastor or your friends or your kids want to give up? Don’t do that to them. But the difference between the rabble and Moses is that he took his frustration and burdens not to others but to the Lord, and the Lord sent solutions. God put his Spirit on leaders who could then help carry the burden of the people.

So the moral? Don’t make friendships with complainers, whiners, gripers, or faultfinders. If there’s a problem, take it to the Lord and pray for godly friends.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Griping and complaining is the shortest path to leaving you with more to gripe and complain about. Did you know that? For example, if you constantly criticize your kids about the way they put away the dishes or mow the lawn, or you put your husband down about the way he drives, or that he always forgets something when you send him to the store . . . guess what? They are not likely to want to try again. You will end up doing the dishes and going to the store all by yourself. Praise and thankfulness go a long way. Try them. For sure, others will like it—and so will you.

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 43:14–45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2