Honor

Honor

Q: What is a mark of honor?

• a. avoiding a fight
• b. ending a fight
• c. being right

There is always someone looking for a fight. Every school has bullies who physically hurt others and people who want to fight just to fight. They feel they have something to prove. But a confident person doesn’t feel the need to prove himself or herself to others by displaying physical strength or power.

Today’s proverb says that avoiding a fight is a mark of honor. Winning a fight might prove you are tougher than the other person, but avoiding the fight makes you someone to look up to and worthy of respect.

It’s not always easy to avoid either a verbal or physical fight. So how can you do it?

• Avoid known troublemakers. You don’t have to fear them, but you can steer clear of the places they hang out.
• Stay calm and try to talk things out. If the bully is shouting and you are answering calmly and quietly, he or she is going to look silly.
• Walk away. Some people may take it as weakness, but others will recognize the strength in refusing to get pulled into a fight.
• Act with honor. Remind yourself of today’s proverb. Be above engaging in a fight. Be the one other students can look up to for refusing to take part in fights and drama.

The second half of today’s proverb says, “Only fools insist on quarreling.” You can’t change other people’s behaviors, but you can control your reactions to them.

For You

Walk away from verbal or physical fights. Refuse to take part. If this is difficult, find a friend to stand with you, or talk to a trusted adult about the situation.

Answer: a

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.   Proverbs 20:3

(The Whole Story: Proverbs 20)