(Proverbs 19:25 KJV) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Are we really allowed to “smite” (5221) a “scorner” (scoffer NASB) (3917b)? I tend to think one class of scorners is represented by the “Biblical scholars” that inhabit liberal departments of religion. They study to discredit God and to build their own egos. Many of them are also in pulpits.
Maybe you like the NASB word, “strike.” Perhaps you could go better with the old Douay-Rheims translations “scourge.” Any way you want to translate it, the meaning is to deal with severely. It is the word of warfare and punishment.
Somehow we need to interpret this with the words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. I tend to look at it as a question of protecting my dignity, where I must turn the other cheek, or dealing with a public menace, where scourging is too good.
So? Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes we must make hard choices. Sometimes we must do things that are unpopular. Sometimes we must confront evil. Pray for guidance.
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2 comments:
I've got a neighbor that says that he's a good enough Christian to turn the other cheek......ONCE! After that......well...
I can tell you that standing your ground IN CHURCH can be necessary on rare occasions, but can make you very unpopular in some circles!
Emotionally I agree with your neighbor but Jesus told Peter seven times seventy. The hard part is being honest about when to stand your ground.
Jesus lost disciples because His teaching was too hard. Paul was given a lot of grief because his teaching was hard. Why should our lives be any different.
Our New Testament would only have the gospels and Acts if the letters had not been written to address issues.
Grace and peace.
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