~ What Solomon Knew ~
Solomon was widely
known for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:30, 10:24). Today he is considered by many to
be among the wisest to ever live. His writings include the book of Proverbs. What does the book of Proverbs say about
dealing with difficult people?
Five actions you can and should
take.
1. Try To Avoid Useless Conflict ~ “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when
you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge” (Proverbs 14:7). “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore
do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (20:19).
2. When Unavoidable Deal With It
Quickly ~ “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore
stop contention before a quarrel starts” (Proverbs 17:14). “He who passes by and
meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears” (26:17).
3. Don’t You Be Difficult With
Them ~ “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up
anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “The discretion of a man
makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression” (19:11). “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest
you also be like him” (26:4).
4. Keep Your Cool—Don’t You Lose
It ~ “Whoever has no rule over
his own spirit
is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). “A fool vents all his
feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (29:11).
5. Do Not Seek Retaliation ~ “Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I
will render to the man according to his work’” (Proverbs
24:29). “If
your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give
him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you” (25:21-22).
If you act according the these five principles
you will be exemplifying Christian Character.
Finally recognize that difficult people are
God’s problem and He will deal with them in His way and in His time. Sometimes
tough love is required and you must commit the person into God’s hand which may
require that they learn the hard way:
Let Them Learn the Hard Way ~ “A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you
rescue him, you will have to do it again” (Proverbs
19:19).
additional
comment: The
book of Proverbs contains 31 relatively short chapters. Many have found reading a chapter a day
(corresponding to the date of the current month) has greatly increased their
wisdom.
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
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