RELATIONAL WISDOM
PROVERBS 17:1, 14, 27-28
PROVERBS 17:1, 14, 27-28 NKJV
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
OBSERVATION:
Proverbs is such a great book. It is filled with practical wisdom that is still applicable today. Even after thousands of years, these words ring true.
Today we see three principles that can help establish healthy relationships.
The first principle is your environment is most important. In verse one, the environment in a relationship adds more than luxury. You can live in a beautiful home with the finest of furnishings and food. Yet if there is strife, it overrules everything. You are better off with bare bones and peace than with luxury and strife. Having a nice place to live is great but creating a peaceful environment is better.
The second relational principle is the best way to stop an argument is before it starts. Like letting water out of a dam, once it is released, you can't get it back. Once you let strife-filled words out, the contention is on. How many arguments could have been avoided by not saying what came to your mind?
The third nugget of relational wisdom is related to the second principle and underscores the value of words. In particular, being sparing with your words. Hand in hand with sparing your words is exhibiting a calm spirit. And in the typical Proverbs bluntness, even a foolish person can be mistaken for wise when they are quiet.
Quality relationships are built with the wise usage of quality words.
APPLICATION:
These principles have helped to change my marriage and my relationship with my children and staff.
As one who used to shoot from the lip, I still have the scars to prove that's not the way to go.
Do whatever it takes to eliminate strife from your relationships. Walk away instead of wading in. Hold on to your peace instead of speaking your mind. You'll never have to apologize or take back the harsh words you did not say.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help me put a guard on my mouth. I want to create environments that bless others and honor You.