Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Reading through the 31 chapters of Proverbs each month can give us an understanding of how to serve God.

Proverbs 17:1 ESV

1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.

The importance of the home can be overstated. In the hierarchy of government it is behind both the state and the church. That being said, the value of a tranquil home is without a doubt priceless.

The writer of Proverbs, with a vivid contrast, sets this in bold relief. Home life characterized by strife has neither a spiritual or family recommendation. The home with the minimum of the necessities is better than one with strife. The writer is careful not to say it is the best or most desirable. Having ample provisions is not of itself a prelude to sin. The sin comes with strife.

Strife is never desirable. Religious feasting mentioned here cannot excuse it or make it anymore helpful to family affection. Proverbs 10:2 tells why this is so. ² Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death. Strife is a fruit of hatred. The sin of hatred is the root cause of murder. The participation in strife can be likened to a murder conspiracy. Only evil can result.

Proverbs 15:16-17 gives additional information about this subject. First, whether there is little or much, this without faith and love for God can bring trouble. Second, the content of the meal cannot dress up hatred. The destructive nature of it remains to embitter all that is eaten.

The simple prevention for strife is found in chapter 17:14. The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. There are two simple lessons here. First strife is easier prevented than repaired. There is always a certain amount of permanent damage. Again, the strife is preventable. “Quit” before it starts. Someone has to say “I won’t go there”. There is no reason that cannot be you.