The Quiet Spirit

For Monday, May 1, 2006
Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.

This is not a contrast between homes of quiet, mild-mannered families and those of boisterous families, but rather between home of peaceful relations and of conflict. Quiet homes can have their share of conflict. But this kind of quiet is the quiet of peace. It is the home of families who are peace with one another. Such a family is better, even if they may be poor, than a wealthy family with plenty on the table and yet filled with strife.

Peace is better than wealth; it is a greater security than financial possession. For with strife, wealth can be lost; but with peace a family stays together and holds each family member up. With peace comes contentment; wealth without peace brings only anxiety, jealousy, and greed.

It is not better to be poor than wealthy, but if we place wealth on a pedestal; if wealth becomes the aim in life, then strife will naturally accompany it. For we will hurt our loved ones as our ambition and greed take over our lives.

The quiet spirit of peace is what we should desire, for by its very nature it means peace with others, especially our loved ones. That peace begins with the peace of the soul with God, the peace that only Christ can give. Meditate upon the peace that has already been granted you by Christ's work on the Christ. You are reconciled with God now; how then will such peace be lived out in you today?