BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

How do you handle a bully? When someone disrespects or mocks us, it’s tempting to lash back with the same. It may even make sense to appease a bully, going as far as to join their side to protect ourselves. Others may join them to wait patiently for sweet revenge, a chance to point and laugh when they fall. The proverbs in today’s reading warn against these options. If we follow evildoers down their crooked path, we will find ourselves snarled by thorns. But if retaliating against evil with our own evil is not an option, what actually works?

The wisdom envisioned through the proverbs invites us to a new kind of freedom, where not even a hint of jealousy, contempt, or spite is in our hearts. We can experience this when we let God resolve the things we’re seeking revenge for.

As you’ll see in the New Testament, Jesus expands on this idea, teaching his followers to live by God’s definition of good and bad, which requires creativity, wisdom, and trust in God alone. Watch today’s video to learn how Jesus invites his followers to respond to injustice.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Jesus’ teachings on creative nonviolence and enemy love in Matthew 5:38-48. Jesus commands his followers to love their enemies because God loves their enemies. What are some ways God shows kindness to all people? How can this inspire us to love without partiality?
• Where do you see God’s special concern for the vulnerable in today’s passage? What do these proverbs reveal about the connection between wisdom and justice?