What great advice these three short verses from Proverbs contain. If we could manage to apply all three to our lives now we’d be much better off. And if everybody did, then the world would be immeasurably better off. A much more peaceful place.

But let’s just focus on us as individuals; the people who are reading this.  These verses were written so long ago and yet the advice is still very relevant to us.

“Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14 NLT)

A quarrel can be such a small thing, but how many major feuds and even wars have started simply over what was initially a quarrel? Small arguments can so often lead to big arguments; sometimes to lifelong feuds.

How good then is this advice -  don’t start a quarrel.

There is usually a peaceful way to resolve a problem isn’t there? I guess the first step is to decide if there really is a problem; and if there is, does it need to be solved.

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” (Proverbs 18:13 NLT)

How often are judgments made on a first impression wrong? The answer is - often. Are you like me? Inclined to react very quickly in any given situation without necessarily being fully aware of ALL the information needed to make a good decision?

And the next verse is closely connected to this one.

“The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.” (Proverbs 18:17 NLT)

How true this can be! A convincing case can be put for almost anything, but the facts become clearer after further scrutiny.

All in all it’s great advice not to rush to judgement. Weigh up the facts. Think things through and then act.

It’s the same with considering God’s Bible. It holds a vital message for anyone who wants to see it. There’s information which will help in your life now and there is also an offer of a better life to come. But you need to see it for yourself.

Have a read.