Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Proverbs - Contention and Conflict



Proverbs 17:14

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

Whenever an argument takes place, it has to start somewhere.  The scriptures tell us here that the beginning of strife is like letting a little water out of a dam.  Sure, it just trickles at first, but there is a great body of water behind it that is ready to follow and pour out on all that is in its way. 

We must recognize when the ‘water’ starts to trickle, when we are a bit bothered or disagreeable.  If we can get the picture of a dam full of the water of contention, we might be a bit more guarded at the beginning of potential conflict.


The Lord tells us to leave this contentious state before it gets out of control.  He is our rock and He is able to hold all of it back.  We mustn't be careless with attitudes and responses so as to avoid a devastating flood of words and actions that could follow.  

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