November 25
PROVERBS 20
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
but every fool will be quarreling.
4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
– Proverbs 20:1-5
PROVERBS 20 PEACEMAKERS VERSUS TROUBLEMAKERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When a man does not engage in conflicts
He must have wisdom and understanding
Someone who pursues peace is a man of honor
He isn’t quick to speak, instead he is a good listener.
The man who keeps on talking without listening
They are foolish and only care about their cravings
Troublemakers seek attention and are full of pride
They love to quarrel and aim to always be right.
Solomon gives us a picture of honorable man and the fools in this Proverbs. The man of honor stays away from conflicts. They seek peace and unity. 1 Peter 3:10-11 says that whoever desires to love life and see good days must keep his tongue and his lips from speaking deceit and he must turn away from evil and do good but most of all, he must seek peace and pursue it. A wicked man on the other hand isn’t interested in learning, but only in quarreling to prove that he is right. He has no desire to listen to others.
REFLECTION
• Share some insights or experiences you had with quarrelsome people and also with peacemakers.
