Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only a fool insists on quarreling. – (Proverbs 20:3, NLT)
It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. – (Proverbs 20:3, MSG)
The mark of my closest relationships have always shared a common thread. Rather than assuming ill intent of one another and jumping into fight or flight mode, there has been a posture of seeking to understand. When we choose to approach a situation with the hope of gaining understanding, fights are averted and peace is maintained. Though we may not always see eye-to-eye with the person before us, if we approach conversation and communication with the intent to learn and grow, wisdom is gained and peace remains. May we go forth this day with the intent to listen and learn, seeking to understand those around us, so that quarrels are avoided and honor is upheld.
The best character,
Will choose not to fight;
But rather listen,
To seek what is right.
To avoid quarrels,
With intent to learn;
Is good character,
How respect is earned.
Only the foolish,
Choose keep quarreling;
Honor comes to those,
Who have peace to bring.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the mark of good character. Thank You that He modeled what it was like to be a peacemaker in tumultuous spaces, simply by loving the unlovable. Thank You too, that You grant us wisdom to know when to stand up and fight, rather than walk away. Forgive us for stepping into unnecessary quarrels that could be easily avoided by seeking to understand one another. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You for wisdom and strength to do what You call us to do in each situation. Show us how to love others well, even when they attempt to pick fights. Let Your love in us diffuse even the most hostile of situations. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to avoid unnecessary fights, and represent You well to the world. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6
Revelations In Writing 
I need to heed this and practice it daily: “to approach a situation with the hope of gaining understanding,” Thanks for sharing, and possibly contributing to a reduction in needless situations that turn South all too quickly.