Monday, November 22, 2010
Relationship Prudence
"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." Proverbs 12:16
One thing I love about the book of Proverbs is that most of its verses can be read on its own, and a large time can be spent just pondering over a short saying. Thus, here are my thoughts over this short saying.
Beginning with the obvious, a comparison is made between the response of the fool and the prudent toward an insult. Might be best to first understand what constitutes a fool and a prudent, as trivial as that may seem. A fool is a weak-minded person who lacks judgement, an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist the opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (dictionary.com). A prudent is wise in practical affairs, discreet, and careful in providing for the future (dictionary.com).
It appears that annoyance is a recognized natural response toward an insult. The fool lacks patience and reveals this response "at once". This doesn't come as much of a surprise as a fool doesn't resist the opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm. By implication, the prudent is annoyed, but decides to overlook it. The question that comes to mind is, "why did Solomon use prudent and not wise?" I think its because he wanted to play on the "providing for the future" bit of a prudent individual. Often used in the context of financial prudence, is it possible to have relationship prudence? An insult is between two people, and while we are annoyed at it, perhaps it might serve us well to overlook it now so as to ensure a harmonious relationship for the future.
A great insight from just 2 lines! Indeed how great is wisdom to those who have it.
Dan
1:01 am
