(Prov 25:8 GNB) Don’t be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Here Solomon warns us about being too quick to take a matter to court. He specifically uses the example of “something you have seen.” We all know how 10 people can see the same event and see it in 10 different ways. The saying, “Your eyes can play tricks on you” is true. The reality is that we see most things through the lens of our past experiences, values, and beliefs. So we have to be very careful about jumping to conclusions solely upon the basis of what we saw, or better stated, what we think we saw. The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse reads: “Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.”
It’s unfortunate, but in today’s society many are so quick to rush to litigation that they don’t give the other party the common courtesy of having a discussion about the matter first. Open and candid discussion irons-out most issues. Jesus recommended this approach, especially for believer. Jesus said: “If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.” I believe most issues can be resolved by simply following that counsel. Instead of talking to others about the ‘thing’ someone did that you did not like, why not go talk to them? If you talk to them you might fight out that it was simply a misunderstanding. Jesus went on to teach that if you and your brother could not resolve the issue one-on-one, that you should give him another chance by bringing one or two witnesses with you. This way, as a group, you will more than likely solve the issue. However, if this small group cannot get it resolved, Jesus taught that we should take it before the church (see Mat 18:15-17). At no point did Jesus teach us to take it to court. That is not to say that believers should never leverage the court system, but rather that litigation should be our last resort.
Paul said, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves… Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” And then Paul, summing it all up, says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (see Rom 12:12-18). That’s the bottom-line. God expects us to do all that we can to live at peace with everyone, not rushing to court every time we see something suspicious or every time someone does us wrong.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Don’t be quick to jump to conclusions because of what you “think” you saw.
2. Handle issues at the lowest level; settling issues one-on-one if possible.
3. Use litigation only as a last resort.
4. Rushing to court can backfire on you.
5. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this insight. I will not jump to conclusions based upon what I think I saw. I will stop, slow down, pray, and allow myself to be led of You concerning what I believe I saw. If something bothers me to the point where I believe I need to do something about it, I will take the issue to the person first. I will go to the person, in love, in hope of settling the issues one-on-one. If the person does not receive me, I will bring others with me. If he does not receive the group, I will take it to the church, if he is a believer, and if not, I will pray about what to do next. But in every case, I will not be impulsive or led by my emotions. I am led by Your Spirit and governed by Your Word in all things. As far as it depends on me, I make every effort to live at peace with every person! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
