Respond, Don’t React

(Proverbs 22:10 KJV)  Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

This would seem to fly in the face of certain verses that people love to quote.  We have been told to “turn the other cheek,” “go the extra mile,” and “judge not.”  In this verse we have permission to “cast out” (drive away NASB) (1644) the “scorner” (scoffer NASB) (3917b).  In fact it would  seem we are ordered to do so.  What is going on?

The restraint would seem to refer to personal situations, the assertion to group or corporate actions.  My tendency is to defend my own ground and let the rest of the world take care of itself.  You know, look out for number one.  Because of this I tend to lash out when someone pushes into my comfort zone.  Those are the cases where we are told to turn the other cheek, etc.

We are also told to reprove, rebuke and correct.  The Bible is loaded with examples of this and they deal with the eternal principles of God or the preservation of society.  Look at Jesus telling Peter to “get thee behind me, Satan.”  Or Peter telling the Jewish leaders that he must disobey them and do what God sent him to do.  Or Nathan confronting David over his dalliance with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. 

So?  Don’t be touchy for yourself.  Be a forgiver of personal slights.  At the same time defend the widow and orphan.  Confront the king.  Be salt and light.