Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 13:5-9

"And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram`s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot`s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me. If [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if [thou take] the right hand, then I will go to the left." — Genesis 13:5-9 (ASV)

Riches not only provide cause for conflict and are the things most commonly fought over; but they also stir up a spirit of contention by making people proud and covetous. Mine and yours are the great instigators of quarrels in the world. Poverty and labor, needs and wanderings, could not separate Abram and Lot; but riches did so.

Bad servants often cause a great deal of trouble in families and among neighbors through their pride and passion, lying, slandering, and talebearing. What made the quarrel worse was that the Canaanite and the Perizzite then lived in the land. The quarrels of believers are a disgrace to religion and give the enemies of the Lord an opportunity to blaspheme.

It is best to keep the peace, so that it is not broken; but the next best thing is, if differences do occur, to quickly extinguish the fire that has broken out. The attempt to stop this conflict was made by Abram, although he was the older and more prominent man. Abram shows himself to be a man of calm spirit, who had control of his passion and knew how to turn away wrath with a soft answer.

Those who would keep the peace must never return insult for insult. Abram also showed a gracious and yielding spirit, for he was willing to implore even his inferior to be at peace. Whatever others may stand for, the people of God must be for peace. Abram's plea for peace was very powerful.

Let the people of the land argue about trivial matters; but let us not quarrel, for we know better things and look for a better country. Those who profess religion should be most careful to avoid contention. Many claim to be for peace but will do nothing towards it; Abram was not so. When God condescends to implore us to be reconciled, we may well implore one another.

Although God had promised Abram to give this land to his seed, Abram still offered an equal or better share to Lot, who did not have an equal right. And Abram would not, under the protection of God's promise, act harshly toward his kinsman. It is noble to be willing to yield for the sake of peace.