HARD VS. EASY
PROVERBS 20:3 NKJV
3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
I once worked for a man who was fond of saying, "If this job was easy, anyone could do it." This same sentiment is expressed in our verse for today.
It is honorable to stop striving. In this context, the striving is arguing with other people.
But no one ever said doing the honorable thing would be easy. If it was easy, then everyone would be acting honorably.
Nope. Walking away from an argument is hard. In another proverb that deals with strife, the encouragement is to stop the strife before it starts. That strife is like releasing water. (Proverbs 17:14)
So to stop striving and arguing is honorable. And hard.
The easy thing to do is start a quarrel. The proverbs can be blunt, and this verse is no exception. Any fool can start a quarrel. Not much intelligence is required. Not a high level of skill. You don't even have to practice.
And I know this from experience. I have started more than my share of quarrels. Joy used to accuse me of enjoying arguments. I don't know that I really enjoyed them. I just was too foolish to avoid them.
I have since discovered that the best arguments are the ones you never get into. And the second best arguments are the ones where you catch yourself and stop. Again, this is the voice of personal experience.
I also know why it's hard to walk away from an argument. Our pride is involved. This is why it's honorable to stop.
When it comes to arguments and strife, if you have to win, it will lead to sin.
I can also attest to the fact that the Lord can help you stop the strife and quarreling. I don't start nearly as many quarrels as I used to. It's not easy, but it is honorable.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me and strengthen me to walk away from arguments and strife. I want to do what's honorable in Your sight.