Open the Gate

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

OPEN THE GATE

Prov 17:19

19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

NIV

So there is no doubt at all about the fact that a quarrel is sin. That is as plain as our nose on our face. What we should note is what causes a quarrel in the first place. It can only stem from self-centeredness, thinking more of ourselves then we should, thinking we are always right about everything, that we cannot be told what to do and that we think we are justified because of what the other person said or did. If we say we hate sin, then we must also hate quarrels. Now as to this high gate which invites destruction we might think it is like building a façade, not allowing others to see the real us. A high gate keeps people from entering in, getting to know us, being personal and real with them. This either stems from being so puffed up with self-importance or so insecure that we have to guard against any and all who what to enter into our lives. Being so closed in with self can only lead to a self-destructive life. We cannot live in our own ivory tower, being an island onto ourselves for it will eventually destroy us. We must live with others, truly live with them, invite them in, and have fellowship, communion without any quarrelsome thoughts. We must open the gate.