Strive Not Without Cause

Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

There are times when strife remains an unavoidable option; however, no believer should ever strive with others without a just cause and purpose. Today’s passage gives instructions for dealing with a neighbour as this relationship is more likely than any other to encounter strife. The Lord instructs a man to never devise evil against his neighbour. In like manner, a man should never instigate strife when his neighbour has done him no harm. There are many examples in the Bible of those who chose not to heed this admonition. Nabal, the husband of Abigail, was a wicked man who refused to provide provisions for David’s men (1 Samuel 25:1-38). David and his men had done no harm to Nabal or his belongings. In fact, David’s men had been a blessing and help to Nabal’s shepherds. Fortunately, the wisdom of Nabal’s wife subdued David’s desire for strife.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):The Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest example of someone hated for no cause (John 15:24-25; Psalm 69:4; Psalm 109:3). He always did good and right among the people (Acts 10:38; Acts 2:22-23).

(For everyone):Most strife occurs between those who really have no reason to fight. Why do you have strife with your loved ones? Is there generally a just cause for your actions?

(For everyone):Why did Nabal refuse to help David’s men? What was David planning to do because of Nabal’s foolishness? What stopped David from harming Nabal?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to keep you from strife that is without cause.

Ask God to give you wisdom in times when strife is possible.

SONG

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

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