An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Biblical Affirmative Action

(Proverbs 26:21 KJV)  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

In this verse we have a Biblical example of affirmative action.  Notice that Solomon speaks here of a “contentious” (4066) “man” (376).  This is the same word that is used repeatedly of the nagging wife.  When it comes to sin and righteousness, gender knows no bounds.

I have experienced my share of being nagged.  We all have.  I respond different ways on different days.  I find it very easy to succumb to the temptation to strike back.  I feel an overwhelming need to defend myself.  I call this a temptation advisedly.   That kind of response is sin.  This is the situation that Jesus is talking about when He said,
(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
This is for our everyday relationships.  It is an attitude we are to have with people around us, not with the robber coming through the window.

So?  Resist evil by turning the other cheek and not sinning.  An added benefit is that it will drive them crazy, but that is an unworthy motive. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Probably the only way that I cab turn the other cheek consistantly is to use that unworthy motive! ;-)

Pumice said...

Consider it a freebee. Or part of the law of unintended consequences.

Grace and peace