Day 148: How to Respond to Conflict (Proverbs 13:10-19, John 18:1-24, 1 Samuel 21:1-23:29)

Day 148: How to Respond to Conflict (Proverbs 13:10-19, John 18:1-24, 1 Samuel 21:1-23:29): Proverbs 13:10-19 10 Where there is strife, there is pride,   but wisdom is found in those who take advice. 11 Dishonest money dwindles away,   but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,   but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. 13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,   but whoever respects a command is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,   turning a person from the snares of death. 15 Good judgment wins favour,   but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. 16 All who are prudent act with knowledge,   but fools expose their folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,   but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. 18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,   but whoever heeds correction is honoured. 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,   but fools detest turning from evil. Commentary Avoid unnecessarily quarrelling The writer of Proverbs contrasts the wise (‘wisdom is found in those who take advice’, v.10b) and fools (‘fools detest turning from evil’, v.19b). It is not surprising that we experience conflict. In particular, in this passage we 

Proverbs 13:10-19

¹⁰ Where there is strife, there is pride,
  but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away,
  but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
  but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
  but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
  turning a person from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good judgment wins favour,
  but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

¹⁶ All who are prudent act with knowledge,
  but fools expose their folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
  but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

¹⁸ Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
  but whoever heeds correction is honoured.

¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
  but fools detest turning from evil.

Commentary

Avoid unnecessarily quarrelling

The writer of Proverbs contrasts the wise (‘wisdom is found in those who take advice’, v.10b) and fools (‘fools detest turning from evil’, v.19b). It is not surprising that we experience conflict. In particular, in this passage we see two examples:

1. Quarrels
   ‘Pride only breeds quarrels’ (v.10a). One of the most draining experiences of life is quarrelling – whether in a marriage, among friends, with colleagues or in the church. Here we see that one of the causes of quarrels can be pride. If you are willing to admit your mistakes and wrongs with humility, you can avoid a lot of quarrels.

   Another key is listening carefully to one another: ‘Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel’ (v.10, MSG).

2. Disappointments
   ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick’ (v.12a). Or as The Message puts it, ‘unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick’.

   This is another kind of attack that is sickening. When a vision we have had for something is held up or our plans are delayed because of some attack or let down, disappointment makes the heart sick. We do battle with our own plans and our circumstances.

   On the other hand, there is nothing more satisfying than persevering and seeing some part of your vision fulfilled. ‘A longing fulfilled is a tree of life’ (v.12a). ‘A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul’ (v.19a).

   In the midst of all the conflicts of life there are moments of great joy, fulfilment and satisfaction.

Prayer

Lord, in the midst of the challenges, help me to run the race with perseverance with my eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–3).