“Put The Fire Out”

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 26

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” (Proverbs 26.20-21)

You’ve heard the wise adage, “Don’t put fuel on the fire” and here is why: Fire can’t burn by itself. It needs heat. It needs a fuel source. It needs oxygen. Fire only exists as a reaction to these components. When all are present, they create a self-perpetuating reaction that destroys everything involved. But take away one component and the fire goes out. 

In the same way, strife exists in the world, but not apart from people and relationships. We are the fuel source – our words and actions. When negative actions combine with thoughtless words, strife develops and grows. Like fire, when allowed to smolder and spread, everything involved will eventually be destroyed. 

We are blessed to live in a culture that allows us opportunity to speak freely, but it is evident that “when words are many transgression is not lacking” (Proverbs 10.19). Between social issues and the polarizing political season, we’re living in a culture where strife is already burning hot. The battle lines are drawn, and gasoline is being dumped onto the fire daily. We can easily grow accustomed to the “contention over consideration” mentality and allow it to dictate how we behave towards others. 

This attitude needs to die with us. 

Jesus set this example. Throughout His ministry, He was mocked, challenged and reviled by His enemies. He always listened and answered in an intelligent, effective manner (John 8.1-8). Sometimes He simply left and did not dignify their foolish arguments with a response—showing amazing self-control (Mark 8.11-13).

This should not deter us from conviction but teach us to be considerate of the conditions in which we present them. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4.29). 

When it comes to our speech, every person carries a bucket of gasoline and a bucket of water. When you hear rumors, gossip, juicy information, you can either pour your gasoline on it, add fuel to the fire and make it worse; or you can do what God says and let the fire die with you. 

Too many people are using their gasoline. They try to justify it, "But it's the truth. They were wrong. I'm just stating the facts". Yes, they may be guilty, but the scripture says love doesn’t take pleasure in voicing its own opinion (Proverbs 18.2). Love doesn't get on Facebook and stir up strife. Love doesn’t build bigger fires. Instead, love considers what to say so that others would be built up.                                                                                                                                         

"Have you heard a word against your neighbor? Then let it die within you.” -Ben Sira

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