Confession, Not Compromise

(Proverbs 16:14 KJV)  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Most of us are common folk.  We may be uncommon in our character or gifts, but we are certainly not social nobility, royalty or even gentry.  We are middle of the road.  We don’t have kings or emperors.  We do have presidents, IRS agents, TSA troopers and a plethora of government officials of all stripes.  And they are all waiting to get into our lives and mess with us.

It is good to find ways to “pacify” (appease NASB) (3722a).

I say that with my teeth gritted.  I don’t even like the concept.  It sounds like giving in to the tyranny of a dictator.  It sounds like surrender and compromise.  So take a look at the meaning of the word.

The most common translation of the word it “make atonement.”  It is a spiritual term that has to do with seeking forgiveness for the wrongs we have done.  It involves going to a higher authority to right something that we have no ability to right.  It means to find a way to stop justified wrath from coming our direction.

This does not mean to compromise on principle.  It means that when we are wrong it is better to be seeking mercy that to continue in defiance.  I am not sure how that works with the IRS but I know how that works with God.

So?  Have you drifted into some type of self centeredness or sin?  It is time to call on God for renewal, restoration and forgiveness.  You might as well be honest because God knows the score no matter what you put down.