This Proverb says the following in regards to a person who has wronged you: “Do not say, ‘Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me. I will render to the man according to his work.’” when a person does something bad to you it is natural to want to get even with that person. It is natural to want to hurt that person as they hurt you. However, that is not the response that God wants from us. Jesus said, that if a person strikes you, you are to turn the other cheek. In other words, don’t respond with revenge.
Jesus’ message is contrary to what the Old Testament said. The Old Testament said, “An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.” What is interesting about this Proverb is that King Solomon wrote it during the Old Testament era. Jesus was not around and would not be born for 1000 years. So, what prompted Solomon to write this message which was contrary to the Old Testament?
God had granted Solomon great wisdom. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than anybody else on the Earth. Solomon’s wisdom was not as great as God’s wisdom. However, it was closer than any other wisdom. Therefore, Solomon’s advice in this Proverb was more aligned with God’s mandate given through Jesus.
The Bible says that we are not to judge others, and we are not to seek revenge. It says, “Vengeance is mine says the Lord.” We are therefore to leave the vengeance to God and not seek it ourselves. Solomon knew this, and he conveyed that message in this Proverb.
