“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
We all know people who like to invite themselves into someone else’s battle. Occasionally when it is the poor or the weak being hurt or taken advantage by someone stronger we should. Too often it is just someone who likes to stir up trouble or be in a fight. This happens on a personal level as well as worldwide. It is interesting to watch as good, even spiritual, people argue on the proper level of involvement in the Ukrainian war. To oversimplify: one side sees civilians, women and children, being slaughtered by evil and believe that those with the ability to put an end to that should. The other side says that as awful as it is, it is not our fight. Although like many I have strong feelings on that this verse does not deal with that. However the deep deliberation going into each decision related to this world encompassing battle reflects Solomon’s counsel here. Stay out of fights and disagreements. If you get into someone’s battle make sure it is after much prayer, consideration and pursuing every other option. The original language here is to essentially flee from strife. That flies in the face of our sense of justice and even manliness. You can be assured there was never and will never be a more manly human being than Jesus. You can also rest assured He never steps away from taking care of His and His father‘s people in their struggles. Yet He seldom needed to flex His muscles. Today let’s stay away from strife and stand firm only when He tells us to. #BeTheEdge
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18 NIV
