Why do I find myself clicking on websites that I know that I’m not going to theologically agree with? I know that my blood is going to be boiling. I know that I’m going to be upset and flabbergasted by their ridiculous arguments and the way they mock my positions and beat up straw-men. So why go there?

Why do I sometimes waste time by scrolling down my Facebook feed during a contentious political season? What do I have to gain by entering into a political argument? Why bother? Why spend so much time on these discussions?

When people are arguing with one another, or joining hands complaining about something, why do I perk up my ears? Why do I want to know? What is it about a train wreck that gets my attention? Why would I ever turn on talk radio? Why watch arguments on Fox News? What is it about a riveting argument on ESPN that has me glued to the television?

The Bible answers every one of these questions in Proverbs 17:19.

Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. (Proverbs 17:19 ESV)

Though I might pretend to be a peace-loving man if I’m pursuing strife instead of avoiding it then it reveals a heart that loves transgression. The two are intimately connected. A love for strife cannot be separated from a love for sin.

The words after the semi-colon are informative too. The one who “makes his door high” is the one who is constantly trying to one-up his neighbor. He is a prideful man that must be on top. Such a thing will always lead to destruction—because it turns your focus away from Christ. That can only lead to destruction.

So maybe the reason why I scroll down Facebook or get on a site and read articles that I know I’m not going to like is because I’ve got a heart that isn’t secure in Christ. I’m trying to find a bit of identity in a superior argument. I’m trying to make myself feel better for my lofty argument or my ability to see through all the silliness. It’s pride, plain and simple.

I’m sure there might be valid reasons for scrolling through your Facebook feed. Certainly we cannot hide our head in the sand and not engage error. There is something to be said for speaking truth and speaking it boldly. But this is certainly much different than the prideful fool who goes about looking for a fight. Or the smug and unhappy person who gets on a website and reads the articles just to find something with which to quietly disagree or to joyously shake his head at the train wreck.

What’s the antidote? Ultimately, it is to find our sufficiency and identity in Christ. It’s to be so enthralled with worship that the fleeting promises of a Facebook like aren’t so compelling. It’s to be so passionate and consumed with positively speaking truth that you don’t have the time or even desire to go around looking for a weak and shallow argument to pick apart. It’s being so confident and beholden to the truth as it is found in Jesus that you don’t need to exalt yourself by convincing Mr. Self that you are doing God’s work by casting down silly arguments.

Beware, though. There is a type of pride which has a tendency to pat itself on the back for sitting out arguments, too. A most pernicious sin which congratulates itself while time is wasted scrolling through Facebook and not engaging in arguments but only ripping them to shreds in your head. Yes, there is a silent pride which can be stoked just as easily as the one which responds to every Facebook post.

I suppose if I find myself getting even an ounce of pleasure in strife then it’s a good tell that something is askew in my heart. This idol too must be slain.

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