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    The NIV translation of this proverb struck me differently than I have read this proverb in the past. In the past, I have always viewed this proverb as saying that if your wife is quarrelsome she will annoy you continuously. Today as I read it, it occurred to me that a quarrelsome wife will get you into conflicts you might otherwise have avoided. Whichever way you read this, this is about relationships. A quarrelsome husband can be a similar problem.
    There are two lessons here. First, don’t be the sort of person who never lets a disagreement go, who pushes it until the other person proves you wrong or acknowledges you are right. Second, if you are dating that sort of person, break it off and move on. You do not want to be in a marriage with someone who will keep every disagreement alive forever.

    I will praise the Lord every day, but especially on those days when I can meet together with those who serve Him. I will thank Him for that opportunity. Yes, I will praise Him because fear of the Lord is where one starts to find wisdom. Following God’s commands will teach us ever more wisdom.

    The writer continues his exposition about what our ancestors in faith did in response to their faith. They did things which seemed counter intuitive. They took risks, they were willing to suffer. They trusted God to make it all work out. We are also called to act as a result of our faith. Let us trust God and do what he calls us to do, never fearing what the future will hold.

    In his prophesies against the nations surrounding Israel, Ezekiel singles out Tyre and Sidon. Those two city-states were confident in their mercantile power. The people and leaders of Tyre especially considered themselves impregnable. They were sure that no one could overcome their defenses. They had hired mercenaries from every land to provide defense and had trade relations with every nation. They were confident that no one could afford to make war against them, but, even if they did, the people of Tyre were confident that their defenses would hold. They did not need God because they were themselves gods. It was their pride which brought about their ruin. They felt they could cheat and steal, murder and oppress. No one could do anything to make them pay for their misdeeds. The result was that God brought destruction upon them.