September 5, 2011

Proverbs 20:1-6 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 21:5-9, Hebrews 3:1-6, Isaiah 9-10

Journal Entry

Scripture

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Observation

It is an HONOR or a source of credit or distinction for a man to keep ALOOF. To keep aloof is to avoid, keep from, separate from or cease from STRIFE. Strife is to quarrel, fight, meddle, war or reproach. Dictionary defines strife as a vigorous or bitter conflict, discord, antagonism. a quarrel, struggle, clash, competition or rivalry. In contrast, every fool will be QUARRELING. Quarrel is equated with strife.

Taken in context with verse 5, "The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out," we can summarize it this way: a wise person will get to the root of the issue and avoid bitter conflict. If I am frequently exasperated and say, "I just don't understand it! John Doe is so unreasonable!" it is probably a good bet that I have not drawn out the purpose of his heart. I will not get to the root of the issue and end up qurreling.

Application

We are told that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. We should seek to understand before seeking to be understood. So could I always avoid quarreling if I understood the other person's intent? I don't know. What I know is that we are complex beings. I don't fully understand myself so how can I fully understand another person? So the lesson I take away is what my attitude should be: I should be disinterested in meddling and fighting and I should seek to understand. As a result, I may be able to avoid or turn a bitter conflict into thoughtful or empathetic conversation.

Prayer

Father, thank you for showing me how hard it is to be wise. It doesn't come by intellectual knowledge. It requries daily practice. I think of all the bitter conflicts I have had and know that I am often foolish. I confess that I am more prone to it with those that are closest to me. It is only by your Holy Spirit that I can truely change so please pour your spirit in me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

--jason kim