March 7, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
If you have ever seen a dam break or a levy break and spill over you will understand this verse. Once a small hole or crack or washing of a bit of water lets loose the erosion begins and escalates until the whole dam or levy is broken and washed away. The beginning of strife is just like that little bit of water that escalates into something much bigger.
As with the dam and the levy, in the rain, the water builds and fills until it is hard to contain it. So is the beginning of strife; what ever someone has inside their heart and mind builds and fills until it cannot be contained. Then a small bit if wrath or anger spills out. Once it lets loose, the whole thing explodes.
Proverbs 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
The one who loves transgression loves the strife, and the arguing and fighting that comes with it. Most of the time, as this verse says, they do such things because they love themselves and exalt themselves. That is called pride. They make themselves the priority rather than being humble and contrite. It’s all about them and they love the strife that clings to the notion.
Are you a lover of strife? Do you always have to have things your way? Do you enjoy arguing and fighting and strife just to make your point or justify yourself? Is everything all about you? Do you always think you are right and there is no difference of opinion? Can you never agree to disagree?
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
I once watched two girls and one boy arguing, the argument escalated into a physical fight. Those two girls were giving the boy a thrashing. I walled up and let myself be known. They stopped the physical fight but kept arguing. I looked at the boy and quoted Proverbs 26:20. And said “you are the wood” if you remove yourself from the fire it will go out. If you remove yourself from this argument it will cease. He turned and walked into his home and the strife ceased. The girls left and all was quiet again.
When it comes to strife and arguing follow a very simple principle. Remove the wood, (walk away) cease from pride; never think you have to have your own way then, give a soft answer.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Give it to the Lord and move on. 1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Before you can give it to the Lord you must know the Lord. Jesus is willing to help you with strife and anxiety and problems if you will trust Him as your saviour.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
