Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:1

by David Chadwick

"Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry, crusty morsel of bread in a peaceful home than a house with delicious food and delicacies that is full of strife.

Strife. Defined as "conflict or an angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues," strife ruins relationships. It hinders momentum and stops the Gospel from moving forward. Biblically, in James 3:16, strife is also called "selfish ambition."

If pride is the root of all evil, I would argue strife is one of the most wicked fruits that comes from pride. In fact, Marilynn and I know of a pastor who has only one firing offense: causing strife.

James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." This verse should cause all of us to pause the next time we feel tempted to stir up a problem.

Strife invites chaos, disorder, dissension, division, and dark, demonic activity. Strife is like an open door to the devil that says, "Come on in and do your dirty work in my life. You can destroy my family, my workspace, my friends, everything!"

As followers of Jesus, we must resist strife and selfish ambition with every ounce of our being. It must be avoided at all costs. But how, you might ask?

First, guard your words. Don't respond in anger when someone speaks against you. Do not gossip or slander another person.

Secondly, pursue the fruit of the Spirit. Choose to love. Find joy. Seek peace. Be patient and kind. Do good. Be faithful and gentle. Develop self-control!

Third, choose to forgive. Living in bitterness and unforgiveness leaves you vulnerable to initiating and tolerating strife.

Finally, walk every day in Jesus's perfect peace. After all, he is the Prince of Peace. Seek his kingdom and experience the benefits of his rulership!