Solomon Gets Cheeky

(Proverbs 12:16 KJV)  A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

I think we have a foundation for one of Jesus teachings,

(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.

Can you see it in there?  Too often we take something like this and make it just a physical reaction.  We get limited by the word picture and miss the whole point.  This is not a call to pacifism.  This is not an invitation to become the community door mat.  This is a call to self control. 

Often life is harder for a “prudent man” (6175).  He “covereth” (conceals NASB) (3680) insults that “shame” (dishonor NASB) (7036) him.  One reason for this is that often the insults were not intentional.  Many times the things that hurt your feelings are completely off the radar of the offender. 

This also brings into play forgiveness.  Now that is starting to get too close to home.

So?  Forgive and forget.  If you can’t do that you can at least cover and move on while the Holy Spirit works on your heart and brings you to the point of love in action.