Devotion: Proverbs 19:11

Proverbs 19:11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

This verse threw me for a loop today. I am not sure what caused me such difficulty in writing, but it proved challenging. Hopefully, though, we have new information or a new understanding of a verse we have likely read before.

We start with a person’s wisdom. Wisdom in the Bible is more than just knowledge. One can have book learning and obtain knowledge, but that does not make them a wise person. Wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or understanding but rather it is the skill to live righteously, to make godly choices, and ultimately, to discern God’s perspective.

What is interesting is that the word used for wisdom in Hebrew is actually better translated as discretion. The word in Hebrew implies knowledge and understanding, not wisdom, as per the Biblical definition. But we can still say a person must demonstrate some level of wisdom to act with discretion and yield patience. We have to discern God’s will and perspective and act accordingly. A wise person will not react impulsively but instead will use their intellect to determine their response.

The verse goes on to say it is to one’s glory to overlook offenses. This was in the time of eye for an eye, so overlooking offenses instead of retaliating showed great control and maturity. We can say it can be considered a mark of moral excellence to choose forgiveness and not to retaliate. This doesn’t mean we must submit ourselves to others as doormats and let them abuse us. But it does mean we respond in a different manner than expected.

As believers we are called to love one another. Everything we do should be rooted in love, kindness, gentleness, patience… all of the virtues we explored on day one this month. We are different, set apart. And since we are different, we should forgive others in the same way we were forgiven, in the same way we ARE forgiven every time we sin again. So it is to our glory to overlook offenses and forgive others, however difficult that might be at the time.

Let’s act with wisdom and discernment. Let wisdom yield patience in your life and overlook those offenses done against you. Be different. Be set apart. Be holy.

Prayer: Lord, Help me to respond appropriately to others at all times, in offense or not. Remind me I am different and set apart and help me discern Your will, not mine. Amen 

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