Contention Is Not a Pendent Race

(Proverbs 18:6 KJV)  A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Why does Wisdom Literature talk so much about “fools” (3684)?  Remember that much of the Bible is written in response to current conditions.  The letters of Paul are all targeted on specific problems that those local churches were having.  That is another reason, beyond divine inspiration, that they speak to us today.  Man has not changed.  The same with Proverbs.  It is written from the intersection of life and God that Solomon was experiencing.  So the frequency of the reference to fools means that there was, and is, a lot of contact with fools.  I am surrounded by them.  I may be one.

Foolish talk causes “contention” (strife NASB) (7379).  This is conflict.  It is sometimes used in a legal sense.  Often we can determine if our words are going to divide or unite.  There are times when we must take a stand and there is no way to legitimately water it down.  So be it.  Often, however, with a little bit of thought we can find a way to put things that will get people to listen.  Some times our tone of voice turns off people’s ears.  Sometimes our body language discounts our input.  Timing is also important.  Choice of words can also make a difference.

To a certain degree we can control our foolishness.  Life will be much smoother if we work at it.

So?  Start in prayer.  We always need to seek God’s guidance and strength.  Allow Him to lead your thinking about yesterday.  Look at places you could have been wise instead of foolish.  No one is listening so be honest with yourself.  Think about ways to be different.  Think about your day to come and see if there are any red flags.  Remember that once a fool does not have to be always a fool.