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
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(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).
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(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?
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Why did Nabal refuse to help Davids men? What was David planning to do because of Nabals 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
YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
