Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Wisdom from Proverbs”
Our Bible verse for today: “It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
That phrase, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it start begin with me.”, is from a song written by Jill and Sy Miller in 1955 and it has captured the imaginations of peace-loving people ever since. In addition to being a great song lyric, it’s also a Biblical principle.
Being a man or woman of peace is a theme Solomon addresses in Proverbs 20. In verse 3 he says, “It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.” In verse 19 he writes about someone who stirs up trouble by being a gossiper, “The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.” And in verse 22 he cautions us about seeking revenge, “Don’t say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the Lord, and He will rescue you.”
Many times being a man or woman of peace will take extraordinary effort and patience on your part. Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.” The implication is that not everyone will let you be at peace with them, but as much as it is up to you, do your best to be a person of peace.
So first, Proverbs 20:3 would have us acknowledge that most things aren’t worth the emotional energy it would take to get upset about them – so don’t. And if a dispute does arise, take steps to quickly resolve it.
But sometimes, as Proverbs 20:19 teaches, being a man or woman of peace will involve cutting people out of your life. Some people are toxic and don’t deserve to be in your life. There are people who feed on drama and gossip, and they constantly keep things stirred up. Avoid those people as much as possible; cut them out of your life completely if you need to. Sometimes in order to be a man or woman of peace you will have to take steps to separate yourself from toxic situations and get troublemaking people out of your life.
And then in 20:22 we’re reminded not to seek revenge. Holding people accountable is one thing; seeking to hurt them in return is something else. Usually it begins a cycle of retribution that will go back and forth and on and on for a long time. That accomplishes no good thing. Our God is a God of righteousness and justice. The Biblical principle of sowing and reaping is real and can be counted on. So shrug it off, go on your way, and leave vengeance to the Lord. In His time and in His way He will administer the discipline that is needed. Don’t allow yourself to be consumed with thoughts of anger and resentment, and don’t go seeking revenge. You be the man or woman of peace, and leave the rest to the Lord.
So, let there be peace on earth, and let it start with you and with me. Avoid disputes as much as possible; resolve them quickly when they do arise; avoid toxic people and cut them out of your life if necessary; and don’t seek revenge, leave that to God.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 