Definition: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and insightful verse from Proverbs 24:29. It's a really powerful message about forgiveness and justice. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse basically says, “Don’t hold onto resentment or anger towards someone who has wronged you. Instead of seeking revenge, offer them a chance to make things right." Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me..." – This is the key part. It’s about resenting someone who has hurt you. It’s saying, “I won’t hold onto this bitterness and anger.” "...I will render to the man according to his work." – This is where it gets really interesting. "Work" in this context isn't just about physical labor. It refers to your efforts , your time, your skills, your dedication – everything you put into something. So, what does it mean? It’s suggesting that when someone hurts us, we shouldn’t dwell on the pain of their actions. Instead of focusing on the hurt and anger, we should offer them a chance to earn back their respect and perhaps even make amends. Think of it like this: if someone takes something from you, don’t keep holding onto that feeling of being wronged. Instead, show them that you value them by allowing them to continue working towards making things right. Why is this important? It encourages forgiveness: It's about letting go of anger and resentment, which can be incredibly damaging to our own well-being. It promotes justice: It suggests a sense of fairness – that everyone deserves a chance to correct their mistakes. It emphasizes humility: It reminds us that we all contribute to the world through our work, and we should strive to treat others with respect. In short, the verse encourages patience, understanding, and offering forgiveness – not just for the person who wronged you, but also for yourself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Proverbs? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like how it relates to forgiveness)?