Pro 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
Pro 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
There's a lot here . . . let's jump in! Verse 16 speaks of bribery, and what that bribe can accomplish. In the previous chapter, Solomon noted that a bribe could "pervert the ways of judgment" and here he says that it can place him in the company of men of power. Verse 17 speaks of a person presenting his case, and reminds us that we must hear both sides of a story before passing judgment or making a decision. Next, verse 18 notes that endless arguments and struggles between powerful people were settled in ancient times by lot. We have many examples of this in the Old Testament, in the division of the land of Canaan, to settle doubtful questions, and directly determine a decision. Solomon is noting here that after the lot is cast, the wrangling will cease (at least if both parties agree to accept that decision!).
Verse 19 is our focus verse today . . . remember when we had a verse that talked about a strong city -- a fortified city, perhaps with a tower? The castle inside may have bars on the doors and windows, to make it even harder to conquer. We mentioned then that this was a very secure position to be in: safe and strong. That city is exceedingly hard to conquer or overcome.
Solomon is drawing a parallel between that hard-to-conquer city, and the hard-to-win offended brother or sister. We must take great care not to offend or hurt those we are related to, either in our earthly families, or in our heavenly ones (those who are our Christian brothers and sisters). Resentments can be carried too far or too long, and the longer they are carried, the harder it is to overcome them. Remember Esau? He had been offended (actually he was treated pretty shabbily) by his brother, and it took a work of God's grace to change his heart. He was won, in answer to Jacob's prayer.
It may be that we have offended a brother or sister in Christ. Let us always be open to self-inspection, and ready to make amends, before they become as hard to win as a fortified city, with bars on the castle!
I believe this is why Jesus said,
ReplyDeleteMatt 6:14-15
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
NKJV
Matt 18:21-23
Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
NKJV
After all...we are to
Matt 5:44-46
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
NKJV
I know I am to forgive because I want to be forgiven by my Heavenly Father! And if we offend, we are to go to our brother before communion...
Matt 5:23-26
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
NKJV
♥♥♥