The Parable of a Snake & a Saw

A snake slid into a carpentry workshop. It slithered over a wood-saw and received light wounds. Perceiving it had been attacked it struck back at the saw with a characteristic speed causing great injury to its mouth. Finally it coiled around the saw to suffocate it. With all this serpent's considerable might it 'choked' the saw, every sinew was marshalled into action. Of course the saw did not die, but the snake did.

Sometimes we immediately react in anger to hurt those who have harmed us, but realize later we are only hurting ourselves, and with much more pain than the original offence gave. (Please note - that many who are accused of hurting us had no more intention to do so than the saw in the workshop.)

Similarly, in life it is better sometimes to ignore situations, ignore poor behavior and words, and ignore those that hurt us. The Lord teaches that it is a virtue to overlook an offense, and a quiet word turns away anger. Don't be quick to rise-up.

Learning to overlook the biggest offenses usually begins with learning to overlook the smallest ones. ~ Scott Hubbard

A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)

Those who do not over-react do not suffer unforeseen consequences. A reaction can be far more deadly than the original offense.

To overlook an offense is prudent, obedient, protective but most important of all - it is gracious.

REMEMBER - gentleness and love are always superior emotions.#

ENJOY TOO ~ A Python Parable, and An Angry & a Wise Father

Today's Soul Snippet:

'Anger is attempting to control another without controlling yourself.' 

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#an anonymous parable re-written by SoulSupply