“…the prudent ignores an insult.” (i)

It is difficult sometimes to ignore unkind or critical words isn’t it? Perhaps you are like me, insults tend to roll around and around in my head. It is often hard to imagine how else that person could have possibly meant what they said other than the insulting way that I took it.

An insult can ruin an otherwise great day or week. One insult can wipe out a dozen or two words of encouragement.
To just say, “ignore it” sounds way easier than it really is.

Yet, the wisdom of Proverbs tells us “…the prudent ignores an insult.” (ii) This past week, I have had numerous opportunities to deal with insults. Oh, the people may not have intended for them to actually be insulting but sometimes “just speaking the truth” isn’t always tactful or necessary.

How do we let an insult roll off our backs? What if we take a giant step backwards and try to view it from God’s perspective? What if we found a way to make light of it? What if we return a blessing? Oh, now that is cutting deep. Return a blessing for an insult? “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”(iii) “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (iv)

Here is an action plan when you are insulted:
1. Love your offender
2. Take action to put feet to your love. Find some way to express it in spite of how you feel.
3. Bless your offender
4. Pray for your offender

Do not allow the insult to rob you of joy and peace. Stop offense dead in its tracks. Decide to ignore the insult.

Blessings, Diane

i Proverbs 12:9
ii Proverbs 12:9
iii Luke 6:27
iv 1 Peter 3:9

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick. In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years. She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.