3 APRIL

STOP THE ARGUMENT (3)

“If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.” (Proverbs 29:9)

Jesus initially answered not a word when the woman caught in adultery was brought to him for His approval for her to be stoned according to the Law of Moses. He later spoke a word in wisdom and the accusers all dispersed. In many other instances He answered the Pharisees and Sadducees when they tried to trap him by exposing their cunning and ignorance. Whatever method Jesus used, with wisdom and knowledge, He stopped the argument.

This is also illustrated by Paul’s example in 2 Corinthians 11:23. Certain men at Corinth claimed to be apostles of Jesus Christ, but were false apostles trying to lead the church astray. Paul spoke out to express his disapproval in strong terms and prevent them from gaining unwarranted influence over the people and if possible, correct them. He spoke to the people, not the false prophets in order to defend the Gospel, using his personal experiences to keep the Christians on the right track. He stopped the argument! We could say he held a discussion with the Corinthian Christians–as in the words of Robert Quillen, “Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; an argument an exchange of ignorance.“ Sometimes the argument is as a result of pride. At other times, it may be as a result of self–consciousness and feeling justified. This takes away joy and peace.

ACTION: Strive to stop all unnecessary argument with humility and knowledge.

PRAYER: Lord God, fill me with wisdom to silence all foolish and destructive arguments.