Love conquers all

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

LOVE CONQUERS ALL

Prov 27:3

3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.

NIV

There is two different ways in which we could see a truth in this saying. The basis for being able to see these two is in the way one word is translated. This version along with some others use provocation, others use vexation and still others use wrath while one uses resentment. All of which are used as meanings of the original word. If we go with provocation then we would be the subject of this saying. That is to say the if we allow a fool to provoke us to anger or resentment or we allow him to vex us or become angry then we have lost a great deal and all those emotions will weigh heavy upon us. The other way of seeing this is the fool is the subject. He is the one who easily gets provoked or becomes vexed or carries resentment or allows anger to run wild within him. He carries a heavy burden because of all the turmoil that boils within him. This is most likely the better meaning because the fool does not enjoy the peace of Jesus in his being. Jesus has told us the he gives us peace.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

NIV

If we, and we do, have the peace of Christ in our hearts and minds then we would never be provoked by the fool. We would never be vexed or get angry because of something the fool did or said to us. Because we have the peace of Christ we would not carry any resentment toward anyone. We are assured we are in Christ and that He is the rock of our salvation, he is our mighty fortress, or tower in times of trouble, our strength in our weakness, our shepherd who watches over his sheep. There is nothing that can take us from or shake us loose from the hand of God. Because of our inner peace which Jesus gives us we will not be the subject of any fools game. The fool, on the other hand does not know the peace of Christ and therefore he is always being provoked, he is always in a state of vexation, which is the state of being annoyed, frustrated or worried. He experiences being in grief about his life, and is angry about everything which comes his way, getting upset over the slightest little announce in his life. Let us always remember we are no fool for we have the peace of Christ within us and therefore we can walk boldly into the world with no worries, no frustrations, no vexations, no anger, for with the peace of Christ also comes love and love conquers all.