“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” was one of my favourite phrases in my BC* years. Soon after I was saved, I realized that this phrase was an utter lie. All the words spoken to, over and about me, left a black bitterness in the depth of my…
“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have…
“The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, but a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel. The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], but a prudent man ignores an insult.” Proverbs 12:15-16
“Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city, and contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19
“He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 17:9
“The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him], but the cruel and callous man does himself harm.” Proverbs 11:17
“He who oppresses the poor taunts and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful and gracious to the needy honors Him.” Proverbs 14:31
“Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways and get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].” Proverbs 22:24-25
“Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, but a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].” Proverbs 13:16
