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Day 179 Proverbs 18:18 Proverbs 18:18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. When compromise is not an option, people will allow a throw of the dice to settle the argument between them. They might not like the outcome, but they will accept it. However, if someone is offended, not even a throw of the dice will make matters better between them. With as much contention as there was in Solomon’s family, he could relate well to this proverb he wrote. When his brother offended him, he did not accept any amount of pleading from him, but had him killed. 1 Kings 2:12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. 13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Come thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably. 14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. 15 And he said, Thou know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD. 16 And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on. 17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. 18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. 19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. 21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 23 Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. 24 Now therefore, as the LORD lives, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me a house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. 25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died. (KJV) You might find what Solomon did as heartless, considering Adonijah was his elder brother, but conspiracy was not allowed in that time, not even in families. Most people do not go as far as Solomon did, today, but when they are offended, they do not let it go. As Christians, you are to forgive the person who wronged you. Peter asked Jesus how often he was to forgive the person who offended him. Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (KJV) There is no limit to God’s forgiveness of you or me. In like manner, we are to forgive those who offend us. We are to show mercy and grace to the person, forgiving them and never bringing up the wrong again. When God forgives, the slate is wiped clean. He will never bring up our sin again. When someone offends you, will you be like Solomon and allow the offense to remain between you? Or will you forgive the person and live in peace with him? You do have a choice. Remember, God forgave you. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for forgiving my sin, and help me forgive those who wrong me, and turn that person over to you, never bringing up the offense again. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 6 March 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay