Proverbs 19:11

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about what to do when someone offends us:

Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)

Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 14:29

He who is slow to anger has great understanding,

But he who is quick- tempered exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:18

A hot- tempered man stirs up strife,

But the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Psalm 38:13

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;

And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all offenses.

James 1:19

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

So, what do you think the Bible has to say about being slow to anger?     God tells us that He is slow to anger:

Psalms 86:15

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

If, then, God is slow to anger, how should we respond?   The difference is of course is that God NEVER "overlooks" a transgression.  God can't because He is holy.  God won't because He has PERFECT justice.   We don't and we aren’t, however.   Since we, too, are evil (like the one offending us), we can't be holy in justice.   So, Solomon is telling us we should, at times, over look the transgression.   In the above text in Psalm 39 we see David, Solomon's father, speaking about those who were trying to kill him.  He had to be as a deaf man, or a mute man.   When you think of this Proverb of overlooking a transgression we can't help but think of David overlooking Saul's pursuit of Him.  On two occasions David could have killed Saul.  In both situations he overlooked it.   Allow yourself to be cool and be willing to remember you are not the Judge.  You might and should have to overlook a transgression.

But it seems unfair to overlook it!! In Proverbs 19:11 we see that it is a glorious thing in your life to “overlook” a transgression. It would seem the words are pointing to the fact that when someone sins against us and does us wrong it is to our glory to forgive them and overlook the matter. You can't argue about what is said, but only that it doesn't seem fair. But, when we remember that it is God who is keeping track and keeping score, we can relax. It is only when we understand that God will care for all the injustice in the world and our part is to forgive and move on that we can practice this first. It is truly glorious when we forgive others and overlook a matter. It is only then that God can do His part and take care of the injustice in perfect love and judgment. God will take the sin (offense) of others against us and either apply it to the wrath He poured out on His Son, on the cross, or complete the justice on the person in His perfect way, in His perfect timing.  Be glorious today – overlook a matter!  Think of Jesus:  When he suffered He committed Himself to His Father who “judges righteously.”  Note:

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV Strong's)

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

It is our responsibility, by faith, to overlook a matter and allow God to be the judge.