Overlooking Insults - Proverbs 12:16

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. (Proverbs 12:16)

Dear Father,

We come now to what may be the most difficult teaching for humankind. Your Son tells us to "turn the other cheek" and we understand what he is saying. But something about the extreme nature of the picture of actually being struck in the face does not resonate fully with day to day circumstances. Perhaps if someone actually hit me in the face, a memory of Jesus' words would come to mind and I might, perhaps, maybe would actually show the person the other cheek as a visible action to show submission to His teachings.  But that is not where we live on a day to day basis.

Where we live is a place in which people slight us, or insult us, or disrespect us, or violate our rights. And we respond, poorly. It is just so difficult to ignore insults. Our value as a person is being challenged and we just can't let that stand. In our heads we know that our value is not based on what others think or say, rather it is based on our status as your children. In our heads we know Jesus' teaching on a proper response. But in our hearts we feel the need to defend, to justify ourselves in the eyes of man and in our own eyes.

But this scripture brings it into the realm of wisdom, of practical advice. This proverb, your wisdom, is telling us that things work better for us, that we are more successful, when we overlook insults. What it is telling us is that most slights, most insults really don't matter much if we overlook them. But if we react to them, they are blown out of proportion and we look like fools. Sadly, from experience, I can attest to the truth of that statement.

I pray that these children develop an understanding of these principles and are able to grasp the larger picture, with a cool head, when they are slighted or insulted. I pray that they then are able to make reasoned judgments on the proper response, rather than flying off the handle in anger. By that I pray not only that they exhibit the teachings of your Son in the process as an example to those around them, but that, by their measured responses, they will ultimately be more successful in their endeavors by making their responses with a cool head.

Amen