“An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.”
Mean people are often foolish. They may be intelligent, but they do dumb things. The result is that they create unnecessary and destructive conflicts. This can affect everything, from interpersonal relationships to entire nations. This verse goes even further, revealing that this person who shuns relationships and seeks isolation is doing so out of selfish desires. They want everything to go their way without considering the impact on others. Obviously, unless someone lives alone on an island or deep in the woods, their decisions will affect others. This is where quarrels can arise. A selfish desire for isolation can be toxic. This is not about alone time, however. One of my favorite parts of each day is when I’m home with everything turned off. I close my eyes and find great peace and restoration in the quiet, soul-resting stillness. Solomon’s “unfriendly person” is not seeking the quiet of the soul, and they are certainly not finding it. They seek control at the expense of others and disrupt everyone’s chance for deep inner peace. Today, live for others and strive for peace with everyone possible. #BeTheEdge
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14 NIV
