WISDOM'S JOURNEY: What do you kindle? Proverbs 26:21

What do you kindle?


TODAY'S PROVERB: Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip quarrels cease. Proverbs 26:21

Hopefully you've never experienced the devastation of a real fire. Even after a fire is put out, there can be great damage.

So it is when gossip ignites a quarrel. 

I call these contentious folks the "pot-stirrers." We've dealt with them. It can begin in a meeting or a discussion. Things may be lively, perhaps there's a disagreement, but everyone is respectful and they're inches from a resolution. 

Then, the contentious soul ignites the conversation with a bit of gossip--an ember that burns. Suddenly the whole environment changes. The chances for a positive engagement goes up in flames.

A pot-stirrer brings doubt and accusation into a situation. They stir up old issues into a blaze. It's less about pointing out a true concern and more about finding any possible flaw.

This person uses the pursuit of perfect as a weapon, rather than challenging others to achievement. The fruits of their efforts are division and chaos.

Extensive exposure to a contentious person can affect our well being, both emotionally and spiritually.

Pray for this person, but when you're in a position to do so, take authority from this type of person. Redirect the group and/or conversation back to resolution and productivity--when possible. Sometimes damage control is necessary. Remain in a place of grace without surrendering GOD's authority.

If we tend to ignite conversations ourselves--if we're feeling a bit of conviction--seek the LORD. Then seek counsel. This may be the time to deal with this problem. Remember, it's not about feeling guilty, it's about breakthroughs.

May we kindle grace and not strife, my friends.

Proverbs 26:21, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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