Refrain from Strife – Proverbs 20

“It is honorable to refrain from strife. But every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3 (NRSV)

We live in a divided world. We are each so full of our own opinions, we can barely recognize those who disagree with us as human. Society, as served up continually to us by our devices, will only show us data intended to reinforce our already tightly held viewpoints.

Families and friends are divided by party lines. People are losing their jobs over political statements. Peaceful protesters are being arrested and having their bank accounts frozen in previously free countries. The most extreme radicals are even willing to kill anyone bold enough to disagree with them.

What has happened to us? Is there any hope that we can learn to get along again?

We can start by refusing to quarrel. Note that there is a difference between a rational argument and quarrelling just for the sake of imposing your opinion. There is always a place for respectful discussion. The truth is the truth, after all, and we can’t just pretend it doesn’t exist.

But name calling and noisy quarrelling never convinces anyone of anything. Let’s try to get along as much as we can and tell the truth as much as we reasonably can without stirring up animosity.

This might mean actually listening to someone you disagree with. So be it. You won’t die.