196. The King’s Justice And A Man’s Honor (Proverbs 20:2-3)

11/2/2025

Turn with me to Proverbs 20:2-3. These are our verses to study and memorize this week.

Proverbs 20:2-3 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. 3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

Introduction

In our previous six verses we have had the introduction to our current lengthy section of proverbs. It extends to Proverbs 22:16. This section focuses on the character, integrity, and justice that a society needs in order to thrive. One of the main ways that it will teach us this is by dealing with the major threat that the scoffing mocker poses by his defiance of family, society, government, and God.

The introduction began this by alternating between problematic behaviors and then solutions. Lazy sluggards need discipline. Shameful sons need to listen to discipline. Lying mockers need judgment. Lastly, the foolishness of wine’s deception was mentioned. This final problematic behavior in our introduction segues into our main body of proverbs by not fully giving the solution. In one sense the solution was expressed in the previous verse. “Judgments are prepared for scoffers and blows for the back of fools” (Proverbs 19:29). In another real sense the solution begins to be seen within the whole next chapter. It will make up our first major sub-section which deals with “the scoffer and the king.”

This unit of verses begins and ends with a focus on a king’s reign over his kingdom in 20:2 and then 21:1. Proverbs 20:2 opens up by highlighting the king’s dangerous wrath on those who provoke him. Proverbs 21:1 concludes by highlighting that the king’s heart is like a channel of water in God’s hand that He directs as He desires. The righteous king will want to lead His kingdom justly, and in God’s sovereignty He will bring about His righteous purposes. Within the intervening verses of this chapter the connection with a king is also referred to in 20:8, 26, and 28. Thus 5 times, including at the beginning and end, we see the king’s relationship to dealing with the scoffer. In God’s design, the king and government is to be a frontline defense against the destructive effects of those deceived by wine, and of other scoffing mockers who undermine society.

This focus on “the scoffer and the king” sets the broader tone for this passage on the importance of having the right character and integrity within society for it to thrive. Many of the verses in between will show the kinds of behaviors that are bad and need to be dealt with, while others will contrast with that and emphasize the way that things ought to be. In this extended section Solomon is trying to prepare future generations and leaders with the wisdom that they would need to protect the kingdom and have it thrive. He wants the rulers to deal with wickedness and to promote righteousness. He wants the dangers of the scoffing mocker’s way of life to be readily seen, avoided, and dealt with. He wants the nation to be living righteously towards one another.

Have you ever done something that really provoked your parents and made them very angry? Or have you done something in your workplace that just made your boss mad? Or to take it to another level, have you ever flagrantly antagonized a judge, or committed a traffic infraction right in front of a police officer or done something else to really tick them off? If so, then you probably experienced enough of a reaction to realize that was not a wise choice. In line with that, Proverbs 20:2 gives us an even stronger warning about the risks the scoffing mocker runs in defiantly opposing a righteous government.

Proverbs 20:3 will give wisdom on how to manage our behaviors on both sides of that kind of situation. It will help us to not over-react in our execution of justice. It will also give wisdom on what behavior is truly honorable when we find ourselves wanting to cause a scene over different issues.

With that overview, let’s take a closer look at Proverbs 20:2-3.

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

A ruler’s anger knows no boundaries when he is provoked to wrath.

The first part of our verse is very similar to what we looked at in Proverbs 19:12:

Proverbs 19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

Proverbs 19:12 dealt more generally with both the anger and favor of a king. It did that in the context of our relationship under the governing authorities over us. Here though, Solomon is promoting a righteous government so that a just, thriving society is produced. Our proverb deals with the anger of a king in the context of his need to deal with the defiant, wicked behavior of the mocker. Thus, the wicked mocker who defies the kings laws in the drunken debauchery of Proverbs 20:1 will be met with the fierce anger of the king. The rascally witness of 19:28 who makes a mockery of justice with his false testimony will be met with the fierce anger of the king. The one who violently abuses his father in 19:26 will be met with the fierce anger of the king. In a just society crimes that destroy the family, that destroy the justice system, or that break the laws of the nation earn the terror of a king’s vengeance.

Both of these verses (Proverbs 19:12 and Proverbs 20:2) compare the king’s anger to a lion’s behavior. Among other things, a lion’s roar can be used to stake a claim on their territory or to intimidate potential enemies. Similarly, their growls can be a direct warning or a threat.¹ Danger is imminent. Death is just a matter of time if you cross them. You are provoking them to violence and to protect what is theirs. The terrible anger of a king is just like this. It is a warning that you have crossed the boundary and infringed on their territory and authority. You have defied their sovereignty over their kingdom. You have opposed yourself against their right to rule. You have attempted to put your will and authority over theirs. The king’s anger that has been provoked is a warning that danger is imminent. A powerful response is on its way. Your demise is just a matter of time when you provoke their anger (like with Xerxes and Haman in the book of Esther).

Thus this first verse in this new section highlights the real way that the dangerous scoffer will be dealt with in a just society. The king, or governing authorities, will be the ones to give the “judgments” that have been “prepared for scoffers” and the “blows” that are needed “for the backs of fools” that Proverbs 19:29 more generally referred to.

The second part of our proverb gives an additional warning to make sure we get the point. It highlights that the one who provokes the king to this wrath “sins against his own soul” (as it could also more literally be rendered). They commit their wicked behavior to their own hurt or demise. They are working towards their own destruction. If you live as a scoffing mocker who flouts the laws of society, you will reap the terrifying consequences.

For a society to do well the reckless exhibition of wicked, sinful, destructive behaviors must be curbed. Solomon recognized that people’s sin nature was a reality which governments needed to directly deal with. Thus he is careful to deal with it in his instruction to his sons and the next generations as he seeks to guide them in wise living. He knows that good character and faithful integrity will not become a natural part of society without specific intervention to promote it. Likewise, a nation will be overrun by the wicked mocker if they are not dealt with. This must start at the top. Because of all that, this section will reiterate this and come back to the king’s responsibility to deal with wickedness a number of times.

Scriptural Example: When we look to Scripture for examples of this, we see this issue coming up for Solomon right at the very beginning of his reign. One of David’s last set of instructions to him in 1 Kings 2 was that he needed to take care of some loose ends of justice which David had not completed.

David’s general Joab had never been dealt with for the way he had deceitfully killed Abner and Amasa under the guise of peace. Additionally, Shimei, a Benjaminite, had publicly cursed David and greatly opposed him when he fled Jerusalem under Absalom’s coup. Beyond that, Solomon had to contend with his own brother Adonijah. With the help of others Adonijah had wrongly proclaimed himself king. Disaster had narrowly been avoided, but the issue still needed to be addressed.

To lead the nation well, Solomon had to administer justice. This was going to be very important. He could not allow the scoffing mockers and lawbreakers to proliferate. They could not go unchecked. Those who provoked the king and defied his rightful authority needed to be dealt with. 1 Kings 2 records how Solomon carefully did that. He had Adonijah put to death when he made another subtle attempt to usurp Solomon’s throne. Then he had the priest who had supported Adonijah’s treasonous attempt sent into exile. He also used this situation to fully deal with Joab since he too had publicly supported Adonijah.

Given the nature of his crime and David’s promise to him at the time, Shimei was more carefully dealt with. He was given specific limitations to his travel that he willingly agreed to. When he eventually violated it he was put to death. Truly indeed, the ones who provoked Solomon’s righteous anger sinned against their own souls. By their treasonous, law-flouting behavior they forfeited their own lives.

When justice is not administered others will think they can get away with crimes themselves. People will push the envelope and see how much they can get away with. Anarchy will develop, or others will eventually try to take over and rule. For a society to thrive, character and integrity must be maintained. Justice must be carried out. Rulers must protect the sovereign authority of their nation with its laws and courts.

Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see that in God’s design for government its main function is to deal with evil. Initially, after the flood, this was very basic and straight-forward:

Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.

Mankind, through self-government, was given the responsibility to judge murder. As towns and nations grew, the need to deal with many more points of strife between people also grew. The depravity of man required more intervention within communities to prevent them from destroying themselves. The law of Moses much more explicitly expanded a national government’s responsibility in enforcing God’s righteous standards between people.

For Christians—who live in many different nations under many different kinds of government—Romans 13 gives us our guidance on how to relate to government and what its God-given role is. Notice especially what its main function still is to be:

Romans 13:1-4 Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. (cf. also 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Government is to bear the sword. The sword is a lethal punishment. They have the right and responsibility to punish wickedness even up to the exercising of the death penalty. They are servants of God to avenge evil and bring wrath on those who practice it. God takes seriously that the scoffing mocker who takes life, who commits evil, or who defies God given authority is to be punished. Given the sinful depravity that exists within all of humanity the only way a society can thrive and be just is if wickedness is taken care of. People must live with character and integrity towards each other or society will break down.

Truth in Connection: As we connect this to our lives, our nation, and our world situation some deep problems become apparent.

On the government side of things, we would have to admit that human governments are failing at their God given task to carry out justice righteously. On the most simple level, without even considering all other crimes, murder rarely receives the death penalty. As of 2024, 73% of the nations of the world had either outright outlawed it or abolished it in actual practice.² By God’s definition that is a complete failure of their most basic responsibility to carry out justice.

Beyond that, selective application of justice and outright injustice seem to be the perennial claims made by those not currently in power in nations around the world. According to the 2024 CPI (Corruption Perception Index), out of 180 world governments, only 56 nations got a positive score better than 50 (out of a possible 100). Only 8 nations got an 80 or better. The public perception of justice in most people’s own governments is abysmal.³ It is no wonder that violence and crime within countries seems so bad, and that the wars between people groups and nations seems to be escalating.⁴ Governments are not a terror to evil doers.

On the individual side of things, we would also have to admit that people are not getting any better in their behaviors towards each other or government. The problem is within each one of us. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” as Romans 3:23 says. Earlier in Romans 3 we were given the definitive assessment of humanity’s problem.

Romans 3:10-12 as it is written: “THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUS PERSON, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NO ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NO ONE WHO SEEKS OUT GOD; 12 THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME CORRUPT; THERE IS NO ONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

All of the people making up our nations, and all of the people making up our governments are corrupt. None of us are righteous. None of us seek God. None of us are truly good. As Jeremiah 17:9 declared,

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (KJV)

On our own, our character, integrity, and justice is corrupt and tainted. We are not all as bad as we possibly could be, but we are all thoroughly infected by a sin that pervades us. It affects our thoughts, our motives, our words, and our actions. Theologically, we call this our sinful depravity. We are not righteous. We are affected in every part of our being by sin. To temporarily deal with this before His final justice, God instituted government to suppress this and promote righteousness.
But the reality is that since government is also run by sinners this is a very imperfect attempt which will only be as good as it acts in line with God’s righteousness. Since there is none who seeks out God on our own this is a huge problem. The plight of our world today reflects the truth of this reality.

Ultimately, what is needed is for hearts to be completely changed and for sin to be judged and removed. None of us can do this on our own. Jesus is the only one who can do this. That is precisely what He came to do in His first coming, and exactly what He will finish doing in His second coming.

In His first coming He came to deal with sin so that hearts and lives could be changed from within. He came to give His own life to pay the penalty for our sin in His own body on the cross. He then rose from the dead proving He had paid in full for the sin of all those He would redeem. At the current time that is what He is doing. He is redeeming people from all nations. He is opening blind eyes to their sin and to their need for His salvation. He is raising spiritually dead people to life. He is changing hearts of stone into hearts of living flesh. He is purifying people and setting them apart to be holy. He is giving people His Spirit and enabling them to walk righteously. He is saving people from their sin and making them a new creation.

Jesus is calling all people everywhere to see that they are sinners who have defied Him and who are under His eternal, just judgment. He is calling people to turn from their sin to trusting in Him as Lord and Savior through what He did on the cross in their place. He is opening people’s eyes to their need for Him. If you have not turned to Jesus, I would urge you. Listen to His voice as He opens the eyes of your soul. Trust in Him. In Him alone is true, eternal life, forgiveness, purpose, righteousness, and love.

In His second coming Jesus will come to judge the rest of this world, remove all sin, recreate it, and institute His perfect, good government for all eternity. Then, finally, what we are not able to do, He will fully accomplish. Turn to Him now, before it is too late—before His judgment comes.

In the meantime, as Christians who are awaiting Jesus’ second coming, we are to walk righteously before God. We are to surrender to Him day by day to walk in holiness. We are to be disciples of Jesus. As Jesus’ disciples we are called to be ambassadors for Him. We are to proclaim that in Him alone there is salvation from sins, and that all people everywhere are called to repent and believe in His name. We are to make disciples of all nations, until the day that He calls us home or returns to judge this world.

Within our daily lives we are to submit to our God-ordained governments. We are to live peaceably and righteously, keeping our main focus on Jesus’ command to make disciples. We are to remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We are to work towards the heart change that alone can truly transform a person and a nation.

Within our current governments, we are to understand God’s primary purpose for them and urge for righteousness in carrying that out. We are to recognize and encourage their responsibility to be a terror to evil and a just judge of it within society. The terror of a king should indeed be like a growling of lion to the wicked. The scoffing mockers violation of the law and provoking the “king” to anger should be like them sinning against their own soul. Consequences for evil are just and God ordained. They are needed to protect a nation.

As we have seen, though, governments will fail at being just. Thus, wherever we have opportunity we are to urge and work towards having a just society and a just government. That will be a natural part of our being followers of Jesus and walking in righteousness. We will rejoice when evil is suppressed, when righteousness is exalted, and when justice occurs. When it inevitably fails we will mourn that. We will stand up for what is right and work towards righteousness. Then, as we do that ,we will keep on with our primary task of proclaiming Jesus as the only one who can truly redeem sinners and we will look towards Christ’s future return and perfect government. May this be how we live, and how we view government’s role and responsibility from God’s perspective.

Our next verse provides a helpful reminder to help guide the strong exercise of judgment by a government, as well as for us as individuals as we live in relation to our government, our neighbors, our co-workers, our churches, our families, and other social situations.

3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

Refraining from bitter disputes is honorable. Any fool can provoke problems and cause strife.

Strife is a common theme here in the book of Proverbs. Each time it is addressed we see different facets about it. In Proverbs 6:12-14 it said that one of the characteristics of a wicked man is that he spreads strife. Proverbs 6:16-19 warned us that one of the 7 specific things that are an abomination to God is “one who spreads strife among brothers.” God hates it when people try to cause problems between other people. Proverbs 10:12 showed us one of the causes of strife, as well as the way to work through it.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all offenses.

When you hate someone you try to cause problems for them. When you love them you do what is best for them and your love enables you to work through offenses. Proverbs 15:18 gives another cause of strife and the way to deal with it.

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Calm responses keep things from unnecessarily escalating. Proverbs 16:28 gave another couple causes of strife:

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends.

Some people find a twisted pleasure in provoking other people, in getting a rise out of them, in making them angry, and in causing problems between other people. They like tearing people down, ruining relationships, and hurting other people. Thus they plot and scheme and work against others with their words and actions.

Proverbs 17:14 gave us guidance and warning about when we face situations where we are tempted to provoke a quarrel and begin strife with someone.

Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

The consequences of picking fights with people and letting wicked words fly can have much deeper consequences that we could ever dream. We need to learn when to just keep our mouths shut. We need to make sure that we do not speak out of our sinful flesh and create problems that we cannot undo.

Proverbs 17:19 shows us the real nature of those who love strife.

Proverbs 17:19a One who loves wrongdoing loves strife....

Proverbs 18:6 goes along with that. It shows God’s perspective on the one who brings strife and the consequences that behavior encourages.

Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings.

Adding to all that, our current proverb contrasts how the wise person approaches strife versus a fool. The wise person hates it. He tries to avoid it. It is an honor for him to avoid unnecessary strife. He is not looking to pick fights with everyone. He is not looking to be a keyboard warrior online, arguing with everyone. He is not always trying to prove himself right and others wrong. He is not trying to cause conflict between other people. He is not trying to create drama. Instead, he considers it an honor to work through issues calmly and righteously so that they do not blow up and cause strife. He loves people well enough to work to avoid strife, anger, heated words, fighting, and division. That is what is truly honorable.

Anybody can fight, argue, quarrel, and make problems worse. According to our proverb, they are fools for doing so. What is much harder—but much better—is to avoid strife, to work through problems, to figure out misunderstandings, and to keep loving others despite disagreements. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “blessed are the gentle,” “blessed are the merciful,” and “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:5, 7, 9).

In our flesh, none of us can do this. It will not be natural to any of us. At some point we all get offended by something that someone else does. At some point we all end up disagreeing with someone else. At some point we all have misunderstandings with other people. At some point we will lose our tempers. At some point we will get frustrated, angry, or provoked. As we get to those points we need to remember this proverb and these statements of Jesus. Any fool can let an issue turn into strife and a big problem. Any fool can make it a worse problem. Any fool can say rash words or let themselves make rash decisions. That is not how we ought to behave.

We are all going to have disagreements and problems in our relationships. The difference between wisdom and foolishness, and between honor and dishonor will be how we handle issues. The silent treatment, manipulation, gossiping, slander, aggression, yelling, harsh words, violence, and other such behaviors are not wise, right or honorable. But what is truly honorable is to avoid the strife, to turn to God, to seek His wisdom, to walk by His Spirit, and to lovingly work through issues in as biblical a way as possible.

No, we cannot sacrifice truth for the sake of some kind of unbiblical resolution or unity. Please do not misunderstand this. We are not called to overlook sin. We are not called to sacrifice our consciences and do anything wrong. But we can deal with issues in loving, strife avoiding ways. We can make sure that we do not let things get blown out of proportion and end up unnecessarily damaging a relationship.

Scriptural Example: In Scripture we see quite a number of good examples of this. In Genesis 13 Abraham would not allow there to be a problem between him and his nephew Lot when their herdsman began quarrelling. What did Abraham do? He gave Lot the choice of the best land and took what was left. They did not let this make them enemies or alienate them from each other. Indeed, Abraham was truly there for his nephew—as can be seen by his going to war against 4 kings to rescue him in Genesis 14.

Abraham’s son Isaac learned from his example. In Genesis 26 there ended up being some problems between him and the Philistine herdsman of Gerar over wells for their flocks. What did he do? He did not stridently stick to his rights. Instead, he worked hard to keep the peace. He dug new wells. He would not allow the strife to escalate into a bigger problem even when it required hard work.

In an even greater way, Abigail, the wife of Nabal, was a peacemaker between him and David. David had worked hard to protect Nabal’s shepherds from marauders, and yet was foolishly spurned by Nabal. Abigail saw it all and worked to deal with the strife by gracious gifts and words. In the end, she protected her household from a deadly danger, and David from having blood on his hands (1 Samuel 25).

Within the church, the Apostles worked to keep away from strife in Acts 6 when there was a dispute about the Grecian widows not getting served food appropriately. Instead of letting the issue escalate or getting too mired in what could not be changed from the past, they found a way to work through the issue. They wisely resolved it through the appointment of Greek deacons to assist them in the ministry and to ensure that everyone was cared for as they moved forward.

On the other hand, there are also quite a number of sad illustrations of the quarrelling of fools and the harm it brings. It started right at the beginning in Genesis 4 with Cain killing Abel. In Judges 12, the Ephraimites quarreled with Jephthah after he rescued Israel from the Midianites without them. They escalated the strife until it actually started a civil war between the tribes. In the end 42,000 Ephraimites were killed. What should have been a celebration and a working together turned into a catastrophe.

After Solomon’s days, his son Rehoboam foolishly pursued conflict with the Israelites at his coronation. They asked him to lighten up the burden they were under. He would not do it. Instead he responded with harsh words. His actions were not honorable, and they cost him most of his kingdom (2 Chronicles 10). While the terror of a king is like the growling of a lion, the king ought to make sure that his behavior is right and justified. Truly indeed, it is an honor to keep away from strife, and foolish to rush into quarreling and contentions.

Proverb in Comparison: When we compare this proverb with the rest of Scripture we see that the New Testament fleshes this out for us in a number of places. James 1:19-21 is one of them.

James 1:19-21 You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

If we would all do this, it would go a long way in keeping us from strife. Being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger will prevent much rash behavior that escalates strife. This is something I am praying about for myself, and would encourage us all to do. Verse 21 also says that we are to get rid of the filthiness and wickedness in our hearts and humbly receive God’s Word. That is what will produce the righteousness of God. Our anger will not do it. May that be the habit and pattern that we set for our lives. Regularly examine and get rid of any remaining sin. Humbly dwell on and obey God’s Word.

Of course, none of this means that we are to disobey God’s commands in 2 Timothy 4:2, to “correct, rebuke, and exhort.” What it does mean is that we must do that correcting, rebuking, and exhorting carefully. The rest of the verse in 2 Timothy 4:2 makes that clear as it says we are to do it, “with great patience and instruction.”

We see an example of the need for both avoiding strife while still dealing with issues when Paul was instructing Titus about setting things in order in the churches of Crete:

Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.

We need to be careful ourselves not to engage in foolish, unnecessary strife and disputes. Yet, people who are bent on provoking problems must be dealt with if they do not change after repeated warnings. Questions, discussions, trying to understand, and working through issues is all very good. It is necessary. It is loving. But engaging in debate in order to make problems and to be divisive is something altogether different. The command in Romans 12:18 militates against us living like that.

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

Truth in Connection: As we connect all this to our lives, Ephesians 4:1-6 helpfully sums up the perspective and behavior we should have towards one another. As we think on it, pray about it, and apply it, it will go an immense way in keeping us away from strife.

Ephesians 4:1-6 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

May we be honorable people who avoid strife and work through issues with love and unity. May we rightly advocate for our government to justly deal with the wicked, mocking scoffers who would destroy our nation. May we faithfully live, making disciples of all nations and keeping our hearts and minds intent on seeking first the kingdom of God.

If you have not personally trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then it is going to be impossible to keep yourself from strife or to handle it rightly. Our sin natures enslave us and drive us towards selfishness and conflict. It drives us to responding wrongly when strife arises. Some people start conflicts. Some people escalate them and make them much worse. Some people turn a blind eye and allow the evils of the sinful strife of others to go completely unchecked. All of that is wrong and destroys relationships, families, communities, and nations. But there is a better way: address the root problem of sin righteously and then walk in God’s wisdom. The problem is, that on our own we cannot do that. We are sinners and we cannot fix or overcome that root problem. Jesus alone can. That is why He came to earth and willingly took the punishment for our sin upon Himself on the cross. He did it to give us His righteousness and reconcile us to God.

Our sin reaps ruin, and ultimately God’s eternal judgment. There is only one way to be freed from our sin and to be forgiven. It is through repenting and trusting in what Jesus did on that cross to pay for our sin, to redeem us, and to reconcile us to God. In Him alone can we be forgiven, and made a new creation. Trust Him as your Lord and Savior. Live with His new life and righteousness inside you. In Him we can walk in the freedom of righteousness, peace, and love. Trust Him today. Then with His enablement within us day by day we can grow in righteously avoiding strife and in dealing with issues rightly. Will you turn to Jesus as your Lord and Savior? And then, will you turn to Him and walk by His wisdom in dealing with strife as it arises?

Conclusion

If you have any questions on any of this or want help in coming to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior please come talk with us. We are available. Let’s pray.

© 2025, Kevin A. Dodge, All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible^® (NASB),Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org