How can we gracefully avoid another’s wrath? With discerning eyes of spiritual maturity, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of another’s anger, despite our innocence in provoking such fury.
(Proverbs 3:30) Advises us not to pick fights or cause harm to others without a valid reason. We are instructed in (Matthew 5:39) to turn the other cheek when someone wrongs us rather than, seeking revenge or retaliation. In (Romans 12:17-21) we are told not to repay evil with evil. Live in peace with everyone and leave vengeance to God. By this, we heap burning coals on our enemies’ heads and overcome evil with good.
We avoid another’s wrath by adhering to God’s code of conduct. The first 10 codes of conduct can be found in the Ten Commandments. The teachings of Jesus is where the other codes are found, HE emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor as oneself and forgiving others. This wisdom helps us avoid conflict and negative consequences in our relationships, by shaping our emotions and reactions. Operating under God’s code, helps us set firm boundaries with those who have unexpressed anger, who is looking to cause harm or conflict. Increasingly, people seeking to cause us harm, are less like strangers, but more those who are nearest and dearest to us.
How can we not realize when we have hurt another to the point of wrath? More importantly, Scripture guides us in the way of avoiding conflict and anger, including the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and communication. Study God’s Word and address any issue more effectively.
Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s crucial to learn from them and move forward. (Proverbs 15:1) Says that speaking kindly can calm anger, but harsh words stir it up. Avoid unnecessary conflict with words that speak with kindness. Spiritual maturity is unique and personal and has no age requirement for its attainment. People mature in their own time. However, once attained, we are guided by the teachings of God, which helps us navigate this material world.
Proverbs 3:30
New International Version
30 “Do not accuse anyone for no reason—when they have done you no harm.”
Proverbs 3:30
King James Version
30 “Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.”
Proverbs 3:30
Living Bible
30 “Don’t get into needless fights.”
Matthew 5:39
New International Version
39 “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Matthew 5:39
King James Version
39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Matthew 5:39
Living Bible
39 “But I say: Don’t resist violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too.”
Romans 12:17-21
New International Version
17 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21
King James Version
17 “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21
Living Bible
17 “Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. 18 Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.
19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands. 20 Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. 21 Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Proverbs 15:1
New International Version
15 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
King James Version
15 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
Living Bible
15 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.”