Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Context: Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
From the lexicon: Cease=sit still. Strife= controversy, disputes. Foolish=perverse, silly. Meddling=will quarrel.
Pulling it together: Proverbs 20:3 is set among proverbs warning about bad behavior. Wine is a mocker (v.1). It brings those who abuse it to strife. Offending those in authority (the king) brings dire consequences (v.2). Laziness is self-indulgence which leaves a man with nothing. But keeping from strife, not stirring up quarrels brings a man honor.
We so easily get offended. It happens all the time. Someone says or does something we see as unjust or uncalled for. Our fleshly nature wants to get in their face and return evil for evil, but our verse says to cease with the sense of sitting still. If we quarrel, we play the part of a fool. Psalm 46:10 says, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. God is hardly exalted when I step in to try to right the injustice done to me. It is better for me to yield to the Holy Spirit exhibiting His fruit of self-control (Galatians 5).
We live in turbulent times. This has been said ever since I can remember, but these days it is certainly true. A pandemic, recession, civil unrest, a contentious election–all can give the believer in Christ opportunity for strife. Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9)
Our world values standing up for our rights and to get even not mad. Jesus gave up His rights and went to the Cross for us. It takes much strength of character to humble oneself and “sit still” instead of being drawn into a quarrel.
Lord, I pray for grace self-control, to be led by Thy Spirit rather than respond according to my flesh.