Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Ignoring Insults

"The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult."
Proverbs 12:16


Not long ago I received what I considered an insult from a rather young and inconsiderate woman.  What was meant to become lighthearted and complimentary conversation turned flat in a hurry when she gave a rude retort to my comment.  I said nothing else to her, and we left it at that.  Unfortunately,that insult stayed with me, and I would often mull it over in my mind with the idea that I was trying to decipher its true meaning, when in reality I understood its intent all along.  I just wanted to nurse my wounds a little longer. I felt that she had unjustly slammed me against the wall and caused a big, purple bruise to appear on my spirit.  It needed time to heal.  That's how I could justify the fact that I could (or would) not forget it and press on.

And then I read Proverbs 12:16.  Oops!  I think that I did a pretty good job of not showing my annoyance to her.  Oh, I'm too nice to do that!  But I did tell my daughter what happened  and talked to her about it.  She's the only one.  (I just needed someone to talk to.)  Well, I guess I talked to her about it a couple of times-- but that's all.  The vexation of a fool is known at once.  I failed the test.  I acted like a fool.

What should I have done?  The prudent ignores an insult. I should have realized that this is a young woman who has not had the advantage of age and who has not been taught propriety or good manners.  Even if she had been, I should have ignored the insult.  Why did I allow that very small negative comment to be harbored in my heart, to take up my time in thinking about it when I could have been dwelling on the things that matter?  Because I allowed myself to be vexed by someone's insult which should have fallen on deaf ears.

I'll close with this verse.  May we all be diligent to do this instead of that!

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, 
whatever is true,
whatever is honorable
whatever is just
whatever is pure
whatever is lovely
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise
think about these things."


Choosing to reflect on "these things today,"
Gloria

8 comments:

Cranberry Morning

Oh what a good lesson! And isn't it just one of the hardest things in the world! How often I think of all the things I might have said in response, but didn't, as though it would have been better had I said them?? Very difficult to set aside pride and humble ourselves before the Lord as the sinners we are. Philippians 4:8 is such a great verse to keep in our minds.

Belinda

OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!! Recently a family member felt the need to lovingly tell me what was wrong with me. It's been grief to me ever since, even though I pray every day to forgive her. I've tried to act as though I'm fine, and continue to have the same relationship with her I had before. But, I haven't gotten there yet. I think about it sometimes, and I need to forget about it. Or at least push it away from my thoughts. Great post and you really stepped on them girl!

LV

You handled this very well. I am not sure if I would not have blasted her back, which would make no better than her. If I cannot fins something nice to comment, I just do not do it.

Linda Stubbs

Okay.......ouch! I too was wounded the other day by a friend. Not just the first time though.......over and over and over again. I tell myself I will keep doing acts of kindness and I will. I have to on purpose keep it at the foot of the cross. Sometimes it just hurts though. Thank you for these words of wisdom. I refuse to let the enemy get any glory on my side. A little battle weary at times you just help pick me back up, dusted me off and I am ready to go again.

Hugs sweetie friend, I love you bunches,Linda

Angelia

i'm better at holding my tongue now, not necessarily my thoughts tho. good post to think on.

Mrs.T

Excellent post! Easier said than done, of course, but we can do all things through Christ. I love the verse you shared at the end -- Philippians 4:8 -- to show the sorts of things we should be thinking on.

KathyB.

Oh, this hits me in the heart... I need this. Thank-you.

Anonymous

Well said! I have always had a difficult time with this. I take things too personally; so I guess I need to work on being more prudent! Heather

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