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.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

What’s the Harm?

(Proverbs 3:30 KJV)  Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

The first reason to avoid contention is there may be no legitimate reason.  The second gets more specific.  Has this person really “done” (1580) you “harm” (7463).  Remember when we were kids we used to chant,
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.”
As we get older we realize that is not strictly true.  Words can hurt us emotionally.  Words can ruin our reputation.  Words can poison our opportunities.  The question is not, was it just words?  The question is, “Did it do any real damage?”

Even then remember that the standard for believers is forgiveness and turning the other cheek. 

So?  Can we contend with people?  Yes.  But I would suggest you run this double check.  And I would recommend that you forgive and move on, but I am not in your situation.  Pray and listen.

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Good advice.

Pumice said...

I am better at giving it than living it.

Grace and peace.