Contention—found eleven times in eleven verses in Proverbs

Strife—found seventeen times in sixteen verses in Proverbs

Variations: contention, contentions, contentious, strife, strifes, strive, strived, striven, striveth, striving, strivings, strove

First usage of contention in Proverbs: Proverbs 13:10 (contention)

Last usage of contention in Proverbs: Proverbs 27:15 (contentious)

First usage of strife in Proverbs: Proverbs 3:30 (strive)

Last usage of strife in Proverbs: Proverbs 30:33 (strife)

Interesting fact: Because of a lack of drinking water, the children of Israel murmured in Exodus chapter 17. After the Lord supernaturally provided water out of a rock, the place became known as Meribah (Exodus 17:7). The Bible’s built- in dictionary reveals that Meribah is closely associated with strife. This is why the Bible describes this place and the waters as the place of or the waters of strife (Numbers 20:13, 24; Numbers 27:14; Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalm 106:32;  Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28). This place was located in the desert or wilderness of Zin (Numbers 27:14) which “coincidentally” is identified as the wilderness of Sin (Exodus 17:1).

Bible study tip: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). The phrase a “good name” refers to more than a mere title by which a man is addressed because names and reputations (or circumstances) were more closely associated historically. Sometimes a man’s birth name depicts his reputation. At other times, a man’s name is changed to match his character or reputation. When studying the life of a Bible character, always consider the meaning and purpose of his or her name.

Sunday, Day 78—Church Day (no devotional)

Monday, Day 79—Contention Separates

Tuesday, Day 80—Let Nothing Be Done Through Strife

Wednesday, Day 81—Church Night (no devotional)

Thursday, Day 82—The Honour of Ceasing from Strife

Friday, Day 83—When It Is Right to Strive

Saturday, Day 84—Striving for No Profit

 

Day 78: Church Day

Proverbs 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.