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Proverbs 19: 11 (NIV)
A man’s wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
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| How can such miserable sinners as we are entertain so much pride as the conceit that every offense against our imagined honor merits death?* |
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Raising children taught me an important lesson: Pick your
battles. Some issues are worth fighting for; others, not so much. When it comes
to the offensive behavior of our fellow humans, overlooking is often the best
course of action (or should I say, inaction?). Giving someone a piece of your
mind every time you feel like it doesn’t result in improvement on the other
person’s part – it only leaves you with a little less mind to work with!
Does that mean we should never speak up? Should we ignore
all bad behavior? Of course not. Then how are we to determine when to address
the offense and when to let it go? Solomon says that a man’s wisdom gives him
patience. Solomon also said, “For the Lord gives wisdom.” (Proverbs 2: 6) And
James wrote that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God (1: 5). So, we have
a battle plan: Ask God for wisdom. He will grant you the wisdom – the
discernment – you need to be patient with the offensive person in your life.
Now, with the combined forces of patience and wisdom, you know which battles to
engage in and which ones to walk away from.
Solomon adds that it is a man’s glory to overlook an
offense. As good as you think it might feel to put someone in his place, there
is no satisfaction like overcoming your own pettiness. Let wisdom and patience
prevail.
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| It is better to mind my speak than to speak my mind.* |
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