Divine Backup

Read Proverbs 20

Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.

Proverbs 20:22

There are a few select phrases that delight the ears of almost anyone: “Let me do the dishes” or “Who wants this last piece of cake?” for example. Moreover, there are particular words that just feel good on the tongue: “I have the day off” and “I think I’ll take a nap” are near the top of the list. However, there is a unique phrase (with many variations) that we may love to say but dread hearing from anyone else: “I will get even.”

Vengeance—it’s the variation on a theme repeated throughout literature, prose, history, film, and fantasy. Whenever we are harmed, we rush to our idea of justice. Taking matters into our shaky hands, we often handle the situation poorly. Instead, the Bible offers a panacea to personal injury: wait. Wait on God to handle the matter. Like a mother arranging for the father to “deal the goods” to an undisciplined child, so we can bequeath our right to repay. We can summon our heavenly Father to right the wrong according to his ways.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Give God room to work.

Today, Lord, grant me the wisdom to wait. When I am hurt, angry, or frustrated, help me to set vengeful thoughts aside.