We Are All Servants Here

(Proverbs 30:10 KJV)  Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

There are a couple of issues here.  First, we are not to “accuse” (slander NASB) (3960).  That should be a no-brainer.

The second is taking advantage of people who are socially below you.  In ancient cultures the distinction between a “servant” (NASB) and a “slave” (KJV) (5650) would not be clear to us.  By our standards neither would have any rights even though there were slight differences.

This is a great example of oppression that we might be tempted to practice.  What is fascinating is that it goes both ways.  We went to the airport today.  People behind the counter were obviously enjoying their power over the travelers.  “Your bag is two pounds over.”  Okay, but the other one is fifteen pounds under.  It doesn’t matter.  Of course this generates a lot of hostility from the travelers toward the servant class behind the counter.

This is where turning the other cheek comes in.  I know it is hard and totally unsatisfying, but we need to demonstrate courtesy and patience to those we encounter.  Think of all the cheerful and helpful people you encounter every day.  Be one of them.

So?  Courtesy and politeness are love in action.  We are called to love.