Monday, June 21, 2010

Daily Word: Avoiding Strife and Jesting

Today, we are going to look at two verses from Proverbs. They are full of wise advice for us all to follow. First, Proverbs 26:17 says: He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. (RSV) Have you ever grabbed a dog that is passing you by? It probably isn't your dog so you can expect a startled reaction from the dog that includes some part of your flesh in his teeth. Grabbing a dog's ears is about as smart as getting into a quarrel that belongs to someone else. This Proverb speaks to the dangers of strife. We should avoid strife and conflict at all costs.

Second, Proverbs 26:18-20 say: Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!" (RSV) Adam Clarke explained: "How many hearts have been made sad, and how many reputations have been slain, by this kind of sport! 'I designed no harm by what I said;' 'it was only in jest.' Sportive as such persons may think their conduct to be, it is as ruinous as that of the madman who shoots arrows, throws firebrands, and projects in all directions instruments of death, so that some are wounded, some burnt, and some slain." Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Words said in jest are still found in the heart of the speaker. We should eliminate any words from coming out of our mouth that are followed by the phrase, "I was only joking."

Today, we have encountered two wise statements. First, avoid strife, especially that belonging to another. Second, watch your words and don't speak to another in a manner that would necessitate the expression, "I was only joking." (Because you probably weren't.)

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