Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. (Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States)

In today’s contentious, political society, we would be much happier if these words of Lincoln were remembered and practiced. He certainly faced the very thing he wrote about. He was not thought worthy of holding public office, and was often personally attacked in speeches and written comments. Contentious behavior may well destroy one’s personal integrity.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Proverbs 17:14).