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presented by Lisa Bishop
Are you a fool?
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult (Proverbs 12:16).
If you have ever found yourself in a situation where your reputation was on the line or your competence was called into question based on something a coworker said about you, Proverbs provides solid wisdom on how to respond. It’s easy to react with retaliation or revenge when you are wronged, but Proverbs reminds us to respond to others with grace. Rather than being hot-headed and reactive, or maybe even silently vindictive, take a deep breath and hold back any rash words. Instead of responding harshly, or in a manner you may regret, keep a calm spirit.
When you are prudent, you are careful and wise, exercising good judgment in handling the injury done to you. When you act prudently, you create less trouble for yourself and in turn gain more credit and a good reputation from others.
Now, I am not saying you need to roll over and be walked on as false information is spoken about you, but when you exert wisdom and respond gracefully, you are a witness to the grace of Jesus.
It reminds me of Paul’s instructions:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:5-6).
When you are insulted, your response is a witness to Jesus Christ. And when you don’t react in a way people typically behave when maligned and instead you act with kindness and courtesy, you create an opening for conversation that can lead to sharing your faith. You are able to give an answer, a reason for your spirit-led response.
The next time you are bad-mouthed, ground yourself in the Holy Spirit and ask him to cover your comeback with grace. Respond in the Spirit and ask, “What would grace do?”