Proverbs 17
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Once my cousin was telling me of a mutual acquaintance, and he said, “When you get on Joe’s ‘list’ there is no eraser!” In other words, once you made this person mad or unhappy, he never forgot it! Along the same line, I knew someone who was always doing things for others. But they came with a price. She seriously expected people to do things for her in return, and when they didn’t, she didn’t hesitate to complain. And you know what? She was a very unhappy person, and she was really quite lonely.
It’s hard to be friends with someone who reminds you of your mistakes and shortcomings. God wants us to love each other and overlook the other’s faults. He wants us to stop quarrels before they start. He wants families and friends to stick together and encourage each other, not tear one another down. He wants us to gently let others know when we are displeased with them – and then get over it.
The Message talks about a gentle correction to someone with good sense more effective than a “whack on the head of a fool.” So what about you? Do you have a “list” with no eraser? Or is your list filled with friends and blessings and Godly joys? Are you surrounded with sensible friends and acquaintances with whom you can be generous without expecting reciprocation – with whom you can be yourself without fear of criticism or mistreatment? Or do you need a “whack-on-the-head” wake-up call? If so, consider yourself lovingly and gently “whacked” and ask God to help you start over with a clean slate.
©2007 Debbie Robus
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