by David Chadwick

"The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out." Proverbs 17:14

Strife is powerfully destructive and like a forceful burst of water, able to bust through the strongest of dams. Like water building up behind a barrier, when strife is set free, it's awfully hard to stop it. And it's terribly destructive.

Today, we will address the problem of strife that is frequently addressed in the Bible. Solomon repeatedly addresses strife throughout the Proverbs. Strife apparently comes on the scene when jealousy, selfish ambition, and other sin patterns abound! James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Strife invites things like division, resentment, retaliation, and so many other evil actions. As born-again, Bible-believing Christians, we must stop strife, and, in turn, we will stop further evil from happening.

Let's take a look at James 3:13 for a New Testament perspective on this topic. "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Do you see the correlation? A person of wisdom has good conduct. He or she behaves appropriately and displays meekness, which in so many ways is the opposite of strife. A gentle spirit. A calm demeanor. A resolved purity.

Therefore, when it comes to strife, as my mom used to say, "Nip it in the bud." Stop it before it starts. Seek to never be a source of strife in your relationships. If it comes your way, walk the other way. Quit before the quarrel breaks out. The best way to handle strife is to never allow it in the first place!

Live out Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11. Turn from evil. Seek peace. And pursue it!