Causing Contentions to Cease - Proverbs 18:18

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him”, and in chapter eighteen and verse eighteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “the lot causes contentions to cease” where we read,

The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.

The verse begins, “The lot causes contentions to cease, ...” Solomon began with the words, “the lot” or “the pebbles used for systematically making decisions or the portion assigned” “causes contentions” which means “produces and makes strife, brawling and fighting” “to cease” or “to desist, exterminate and put to an end”. Solomon shared how pebbles used for making decisions can make strife and fighting to be halted.

The verse goes on to say, “... and parts between the mighty.” Solomon continued with the words, “and parts or “and separates, divides and scatters” “between the mighty” which means “among and in the midst of people who are strong, great and abundant in numbers”. Solomon said the “lot” also separates people who are abundant in numbers and strong.

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we discover how a systematic way of chance makes striving and fighting to end, and they are effective in dividing people who are strong and powerful. Although these methods are not guaranteed, having a personal relationship with Jehovah God through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind will provide forgiveness of sins, eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth so we may be able to handle any dispute or division caused by people even when they are powerful and strong.

Next time Solomon says, “a brother offended is harder to be won”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".