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