It is not a contract, it is a covenant

Have you signed a contract before? Lawyers always insert a termination clause because they believe that nothing is permanent and a legal document should allow for this. Some relationships are very complex and so the termination clauses can be elaborate, complex and lengthy to provide clarity in the event of separation. When we sign the contract we do it with smiles and celebration. When we terminate it, we do it with lawyers.

Proverbs 17:14

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;

so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17 speaks of many things in the human relationship. Doing what is right is truly cool when God is in the center of it. It seems so difficult when society supports corruption, divorce, unfaithfulness and excuses for anger and fighting. Just look at the newspapers today and you will find it all. It is a mess.

Today, make God the center. This is an urging for me as well. Think right. Speak right. Think of others. Do not justify the wicked and rebuke those that are right. See verse 15. As we do this with the power and wisdom of God, all this mess will go away.

17 is my favorite number. Not only because it is the day of the month I was born, but the day and month my wife was born (1 July). I once read in the New Zealand Herald about the 7 year itch that is actually on average a 14 year itch. It is sad that couples go through a divorce when they have so much ahead of them for an enriched God given union. This chapter has referred to relationships between mother and father, and their children. Also included grandparents. When we breakaway from God's design for marriage we, as a human race, would become fish out of water, a lamb without a mother, and an environmental disaster caused by human negligence and apathy. I personally purpose to fulfill God's purposes for my family. They are my God given joy. Truly joy unspeakable.

Father, I pray for marriages and families to be strong starting with mine.

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