Together in Christ: 'The High Road of Avoidance' — Proverbs 20:3

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
     only fools insist on quarreling.

— Proverbs 20:3 NLT

Key Thought

A wise mentor once told me, "Take the high road in this mess!" He meant, "Phil, you can try to win this battle and start a war that will ensure you both are less than what God wants. In the process, you end up ruining your hearts and each other's character!"

The Holy Spirit reminds us in this proverb that the victor in a fight is not the one who wins the "fight" but the one who prevents it. The grind of daily life wears us down, the control of our emotions wears thin, our hearts grow weary, and the devil baits us into an ugly argument that never needed to happen. In the process, the evil one gets what he wants — friendships broken, hearts wounded, reputations ruined, and nothing good is accomplished. As the apostle Paul commanded:

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. [1]
[1] Romans 12:17-18.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, I ask that the Holy Spirit recalibrate my heart to live in tune with the way of Jesus. I pray for help to know how to avoid a fight, prevent a war, and sidestep a foolish argument while still standing strong for You, goodness, godliness, and justice. I ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 12:1-2, 12-21
  • Matthew 5:3-12

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 20:3 NLT — Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;      only fools insist on quarreling.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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