Take the Wood Out of the Fire

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 26

Gold Nugget

Verse 20: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”

Commentary

My grandmother used to always say, “It takes two to tango”. Honestly, I didn’t really care for the statement. Usually when someone says that to you it points the blame for a conflict on both parties. Who wants to hear that? What we really want is for the other person to accept responsibility and change. Now, for the sake of this devotion, let’s assume that you are not the one that needs to change. In this situation you are not doing anything wrong. Begin to fill this scenario out in your head. Who is it that fits this condition in your life? Are you truly innocent in the origin of this problem? Okay, maybe you are. You have done everything right and still there is this conflict. Often we find ourselves in situations with difficult people. Someone I know recently got bombarded with horrible ungodly comments, insults and accusations from someone they know on facebook. He asked me what he should do. Of course the first thing I suggested was to ask this person to avoid posting ungodly things on your facebook. The guy actually ridiculed him for the request. After a few days another horrible and wicked comment was posted on my friend’s facebook from this guy. Finally I suggested that he remove the guy from his friends list to prevent him from spreading his hatred on his profile page. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” There was a great deal of fiery strife from this hateful person, but my friend removed the wood from the fire. It does take two to tango. Sometimes we are in the right, but contribute to the strife by being an active participant. Sometimes the most effective solution is avoidance. As with this case it was not the first suggestion, but if continued strife is avoidable – avoid the person. Take the wood out of the fire. The flame will die without your fuel. Pray about it. Sometimes this is the answer, but it is best decided between you and God when it is. Sometimes it's best to just let it go.  

Prayer

Lord, help to recognize when a relationship is only volatile and not constructive or healthy. With your guidance, I want to be able to know when to walk away and when to stick it out. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/