Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“It is honorable to refrain from strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, August 5, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I like to be right. I mean, who doesn’t? Once upon a time, I was a pretty combative person. I would argue anyone to the mat if they didn’t agree with me. I guess, according to Proverbs, that made me a fool. I don’t deny it. There’s a wonderful saying in 12-step recovery: “It’s better to be happy than to be right.” I feel like that should be in Proverbs!
It is honorable to refrain from unnecessary strife. It’s far more important to listen to others, whether or not they agree with your way of seeing things, so that openings can be created for positive conversation rather than quarreling. In our modern context where we are so polarized, this proverb is particularly potent for us. We would do well to practice active listening with a heart of generosity.
Do I feel a need to be right? How do I work to set aside my desire to quarrel?
