Proverbs 18:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God says...

"The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him." (Proverbs 18:17 NKJV)

He describes us a picture of an unfolding court scene which The Message Bible paraphrase puts this way: 'The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts! (Proverbs 18:17 MSG)

That's how court proceedings go. Each one postures to win no matter how, depending on wit and ruthlessness of each other's lawyer.

But, on the high road, we are to take an even-keeled administration of decisions and judgments of what is good or bad, right or wrong, in our domain of responsibility - our homes, vocational grounds and areas of relationships. In times of conflict, we hear and examine all angles of every issue in fairness and with care. If partiality and bias can lead to error in judgment, so does rush to conclusion without hearing the whole gist of the matter. We are to be mindful that each and every wrong decision we make, always have significant consequences. Damages are incurred. Lives can be shattered. Relationships are severed. Homes are broken. Souls can be exiled to lifelong regrets or even eternal repercussion.

That is not to be how it should. As believers in God, who accept and declare Jesus our Savior, our benchmark for settlement of disputes is His holy and written Word. Apostle Paul gives these caution and instruction how to settle matters for children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: "When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers! Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.” (1 Corinthians 6:1-8 NLT)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

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