«It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel» (Proverbs 20:3).
THE TONGUE
Francisco was a young man who constantly got himself in trouble. It was very difficult for him to control his tongue and he easily gave in to the temptation of insulting, offending, and challenging others. The funny thing is that for him, his bravado was a sign of distinction and boldness. On several occasions, the offensive words led to blows. But one day the situation came to the point that his reckless remarks began a terrible conflict that forced the boy to leave the city where he lived for fear that something worse would happen to him.
Using our tongues to fight represents one of its most unfortunate uses. In fact, it is a way that in the long run produces very little results, greater conflicts, takes us away from valuable people, and prevents us from exerting a good influence on people. Why opt for contention as one of the main ways to deal with problems? Many fighters grew up in homes where quarreling was the daily bread. For them, fighting, arguing, and continuing altercations is a normal thing. It can even become a way of showing interest and appreciation. But that attitude will end up destroying the people around us. There are also those who fight because they try to reinforce their self-esteem. They believe that in this way they will gain the respect of their peers. But contention leads to a numbing and hardening of the human heart, which prevents us from enjoying the spaces of happiness that the Lord has given us in this world.
One of the greatest challenges for the children of God is to learn to disagree without being unpleasant. You need to know how to live with those who think differently. We may be on opposite sides of some points of view, but that is not a reason to give in to the temptation to start a quarrel and demean others just because they disagree with us.
Do you have a problem controlling your tongue? Do you start quarrels with ease?
Are you prone to arguments and strife? Be careful! les time to stop and change course. Disconnect for a while and enjoy the silence, reading your Bible, good rest, and the good news that happens every day among those around you. Decide not to speak ill of others. Try to be friendly.
Ask the Lord today to help you to have peace in your heart and not to have a contentious tongue.