Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

Proverbs 26:17 (KJV): He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Proverbs 26:17 (AMP): He who, passing by, stops to meddle with strife that is none of his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

Thoughts for the Day:

This verse from Proverbs warns us to stay away from situations where there is strife, as it is like trying to pick up a dog by his ears. When two people, or two groups of people, get into an argument, it is not wisdom take sides when you know nothing about what the argument is over. You will only stir up trouble for yourself. 

In my husband's and my years of pastoring, we spent a lot of time attempting to be peacemakers between quarrelling parties.  Many times, those who would be hurt the most would be those who took up an offence that was not their own.  One of their friends would be at odds with another, and because they were buddies, they would side with them-- not really knowing all the issues of why their friend was quarrelling with the other party. The Bible tells us to avoid strife and to seek to be at peace with all men, as much as it is possible.

Romans 12:17-18:
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke these words:

Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

The way to be a peacemaker is to walk with an humble attitude toward others. The Bible tells us that contention only comes by pride.  That means we cannot get into an argument with someone if we keep an humble attitude toward them, and refuse to justify our own position. This does not mean we become a "door mat" and allow others to walk upon us, but rather we learn to listen to the other person's complaint, and work toward trying to find a solution, instead of being dogmatic about our position which only genders more strife.  We are to be concerned about others and not just approach situations from our own selfish perspective. We must ask God to give us love and wisdom when dealing with a difference of opinion. In a Christian marriage, we should allow the Holy Spirit to be the referee, and be willing to change if we are the party that is wrong.

Proverbs 13:10: Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

If we come upon a situation where others are quarrelling, then our position should be to help as a peacemaker. We may not want to get directly involved ourselves, as it could mean we might get "bit," just as a dog would snap at us if we tried to pick him up by his ears.

Psalm 34:12-14:
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

If we do not pursue peace on a personal basis, we open ourselves up to embracing a spirit of bitterness which could defile us and keep us from seeing God. Hearing and seeing the Lord in our lives is having the kind of close relationship with Him that makes that possible.  Remember hearing and seeing God has to do with proximity.  If we are a long distance from someone, we cannot see or hear them. However, the closer we are to someone, the more clearly we can hear them. How close are we to the Lord? One well-known minister made this statement -- "We are as close to God as we want to be."

Hebrews 12:14-15:
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I do want to be close to You, so help me to spend the time in prayer, and reading Your Word in order to make that a reality. And Lord, when You do speak something to my heart, help me to obey You and not resist the things You are asking me to do. Lord, I also want to be a peacemaker, so fill my mouth with Your Words of wisdom when I encounter an opportunity to minister to those who are opposed to each other. Also, help me to remain in peace with those in my circle of acquaintances. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.