Wisdom Gives Patience… “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
Wisdom works out patience in a willing soul. It is a by-product of being able to understand and appreciate another person’s perspective. Patience gives the benefit of the doubt, and waits on pronouncing judgment. Why does wisdom wait? She learns to wait, because she knows there are messy consequences to a rash response. “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20).
Discretion is able to defer anger until all sides give their side of the situation. It does not react to part of the truth, but patiently extracts all the evidence. Discretion is protection against pride’s harsh judgments and guards over a heart becoming gullible. “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:11). Learn to love people despite their imperfections and you will help them grow into perfection. Assume the best.
What does it mean to overlook an offense? It is a Spirit-led response that practices real-time forgiveness. When you are offended you choose to create a climate of grace that reaches out to see what’s behind the offenders words. Often there is a hurting heart that has never been healed, and like a sore spot on the body, when pressed against, there is pain. Your joy or success may have rubbed against a raw spot of rejection on their soul.
Therefore, wisdom begins to understand an estranged soul, and prays for its return to the Lord’s refuge of acceptance, love and wholeness. Love is a universal language for those languishing in their faith. “ It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Wisdom gives patience to instantly love and forgive. How can I give a wise and patient response when offended? What current offense can I overlook, with forgiveness, love and acceptance?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 22:12; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Matthew 5:22-45; Romans 12:18-21
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
