Title
Avoiding a Bloody Nose
Scripture
For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. (NIV)
(Proverbs 30:33)
Devotional
You know them. They are twisters of the truth and churners of trouble. They not only expose problems but also cause them. They are divisive by nature. Jude says of them, “These are spots in your love feasts... serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit... raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”(1) As sure as churning milk produces butter and a hard punch in the nose makes for a bloody nose, troublemakers make trouble. Watch for them. They are more than often next to impossible to detect. They come with partial truths that appear to be complete, but are not. Therefore, mark them. Love them, but by all means do not allow them to fulfill their industry.
(1) Jude 12-13
Text For The Day
Proverbs 30:33: For as the churning of milk produces butter, and as wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.
Thought For The Day
“I am a child of wrath, even as others, and by nature dead in trespasses and sins. It is you, blessed Jesus, who have delivered me from the wrath to come. It is you who have quickened me by your Holy Spirit to a new and spiritual life. It is you who have sent your servants to call me to yourself, and have betrothed me to yourself for ever.” Robert Hawker, (1753-1827) a minister in the Church of England, The Poor Man’s Portions.
Questions To Ponder
-
Does the wrath of man ever produce the righteousness of God? Consider James 1:20.
-
Why the analogy of a punch in the nose and churning milk with wrath producing strife?
-
Does all wrath produce strife?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Strife,” in context with our text, the assertive forceful attempt for superiority over another.
Referencing: “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression,” Proverbs 29:22.
Applying: Strive for righteousness, holiness, grace, and mercy. Die to jealousies, lust, bitterness, and the pride of life, and you won’t be punched in the nose.