“Do I want to be right or do I want to be happy?”

Those words begin a very old joke by a husband.  The answer to his question?  “I’m the happiest man in the world!”

Although it’s kinda funny, there may be a nugget of truth to take from it.  There’s actually something in that ringing true in our lives.  We read in Proverbs 17:19:

Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

I hope you’re not of those people who has to be right at all costs.  But I’m sure you know them.  They are a real drag to be around.  It doesn’t matter how small the issue is, they will be right—even if they’re not!  Scripture teaches us this kind of attitude is sin.

Understandably so: it’s based on pride.  It’s our pride wanting to make sure we’re right and wanting everyone else to know about it.

These kinds of people also have something else distinguishing them: they are isolated.  This is what the Proverb means by they build “a high gate.”  Their arrogance and attitude of willingness to start a fight separates them from anyone who could speak truth in their lives.

It’s incredibly lonely when you’re “right” all the time.

We don’t have to be this way.  Let’s not love the quarrels.  We don’t have to build walls to protect our egos.  We don’t have to be right and lonely.

  1. We can keep ours mouths shut on those things where it really doesn’t matter.  Living at peace with people is more important than being right.
  2. We can look at those opportunities when we must correct others as a chance to help them to look as good as they can for the Lord.
  3. We can receive correction in humility when we’re wrong (and we will be!).

Don’t be right and lonely.  Be peaceful and blessed while you are speaking peace and blessing.