Just Drop It!

I struggle with the sin of pride. Sometimes I can be arrogant. I often talk too much. I have been known to interrupt people in too many conversations. And oh, yeah...I always must have the last word in an argument.

There is nothing like reading God's word that will convict you of your mistakes. Like a surgeon's scalpel, the Bible will divide your thoughts and intentions and will cut you down to the bone (cf. Heb. 4:12). The Bible is a book that will correct your life, if you let it. It will direct your steps and give you advice for better living. In the Old Testament, this is especially true of the book of Proverbs.

Personality profile tests that I took in high school recommended that I become a lawyer. I love to argue (or to put it nicely, "debate"). I like to critique the points and the counterpoints. I enjoy weighing the pros and the cons. I find people like Bill O'Reilly highly entertaining. Most of us like to watch communicative car-wrecks, especially if we are not in them. Yet, listen to the words of inspired Scripture: "He who loves a quarrel, loves sin" (Proverbs 17:19). Rather than enjoying arguments, we must enjoy making peace between people (cf. Matt. 5:9). The best way to avoid an argument is to speak slow and soft: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).

We must try and live at peace with all people, as much as it is possible (1 Thes. 5:13). In order to do this, the Christian will have to learn to back down from some arguments. I may have to sacrifice "winning the argument" for the advancement of God's greater purposes. The words of Proverbs 17:14 really cut me to the heart: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." Maybe I need to let others have the last word.