Wisdom Principles—How to Deal With Those Who Do You Wrong

Exodus 23:4-5
If you meet your enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, you shall bring it back to him. 5 If you see the ass of one who hates you lying under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it, you shall help him to lift it up.

Leviticus 19:17
Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them

Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself

Psalm 37:1-9
Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. 2 Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. 4 Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act 6 And make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord; wait for him. Do not be provoked by the prosperous, nor by malicious schemers.

8 Refrain from anger; abandon wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm. 9Those who do evil will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord will inherit the earth.

Psalm 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good

Psalm 37:34
Wait for the Lord, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to possess the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 17:9
Whoever overlooks an offense fosters friendship, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will help you.

Proverbs 24:19
Do not be provoked at evildoers, do not envy the wicked

Proverbs 24:29
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Sirach 10:6
Don't be angry with someone for every little thing he does wrong. Don't do anything out of injured pride.

Sirach 28:2-7
Pardon your neighbor any wrongs done to you, and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven.

3 If anyone nurses anger against another, can one then demand compassion from the Lord?

4 Showing no pity for someone like oneself, can one then plead for one's own sins?

5 Mere creature of flesh, yet cherishing resentment!-who will forgive one for sinning?

6 Remember the last things, and stop hating, corruption and death, and be faithful to the commandments.

7 Remember the commandments, and do not bear your fellow ill-will, remember the covenant of the Most High, and ignore the offence.

Matthew 5:43-48
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Matthew 6:14-15
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:23-35
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25 and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33 and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Luke 6:27-35 
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well. 30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.

Luke 23:33-34
And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

Romans 12:19-21
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:15
But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.

Colossians 3:13
Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.

James 1:20
God's saving justice is never served by human anger

1 Peter 2:18-20
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to the kind and gentle but also to the overbearing. 19 For one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God’s approval.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Wisdom Principles—The Company You Keep…

Genesis 49:6
May my soul not enter their council nor my heart join their company, for in their rage they have killed men and hamstrung oxen at their whim.

Psalm 1:1
How blessed is anyone who rejects the advice of the wicked and does not take a stand in the path that sinners tread, nor a seat in company with cynics

Psalm 26:4-5
No sitting with wastrels for me, no travelling with hypocrites;5 I hate the company of sinners, I refuse to sit down with the wicked.

Psalm 40:4
How blessed are those who put their trust in Yahweh, who have not sided with rebels and those who have gone astray in falsehood.

Proverbs 1:10
My child, if sinners try to seduce you, do not go with them.

Proverbs 2:10-16
When wisdom comes into your heart and knowledge fills your soul with delight, 11 then prudence will be there to watch over you, and understanding will be your guardian 12 to keep you from the way that is evil, from those whose speech is deceitful, 13 from those who leave the paths of honesty to walk the roads of darkness: 14 those who find their joy in doing wrong, and their delight in deceitfulness, 15 whose tracks are twisted, and the paths that they tread crooked. 16 To keep you, too, from the woman who belongs to another, from the stranger, with her wheedling words;

Proverbs 2:20
tread the way of good people, persisting in the paths of the upright.

Proverbs 3:31
Do not envy the man of violence, never model your conduct on his

Proverbs 7:6-27
While I was at the window of my house, I was looking out through the lattice 7 and I saw, among the callow youths, I noticed among the lads, one boy who had no sense. 8 Going along the lane, near the corner where she lives, he reaches the path to her house, 9 at twilight when day is declining, at dead of night and in the dark. 10 And look, a woman is coming to meet him, dressed like a prostitute, false of heart. 11 She is loud and brazen; her feet cannot rest at home. 12 Once in the street, once in the square, she lurks at every corner.13 She catches hold of him, she kisses him, the bold-faced creature says to him, 14 'I had to offer a communion sacrifice, I have discharged my vows today; 15 that is why I came out to meet you, to look for you, and now I have found you. 16 I have spread coverlets over my divan, embroidered stuff, Egyptian material, 17 I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, with aloes and cinnamon.18 Come on, we'll make love as much as we like, till morning. Let us enjoy the delights of love! 19 For my husband is not at home, he has gone on a very long journey, 20 taking his moneybags with him; he will not be back till the moon is full.' 21 With her persistent coaxing she overcomes him, lures him on with her wheedling patter. 22 Forthwith he follows her, like an ox on its way to the slaughterhouse, like a madman on his way to the stocks, 23 until an arrow pierces him to the liver, like the bird that dashes into the net without realizing that its life is at stake. 24 And now, son, listen to me, pay attention to the words I have to say: 25 do not let your heart stray into her ways, or wander into her paths; 26 she has done so many to death, and the strongest have all been her victims. 27 Her house is the way to Sheol, the descent to the courts of death.

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, whoever mixes with fools will be ruined.

Proverbs 14:7
Keep well clear of the fool

Proverbs 22:24-25  
Do not make friends with one who gives way to anger, make no one quick-tempered a companion of yours, 25 for fear you learn such behavior and in it find a snare for yourself.

Proverbs 23:6-7
Do not eat the food of anyone whose eye is jealous, do not hanker for his delicacies. 7 For what he is really thinking about is himself: 'Eat and drink,' he tells you, but his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 23:9
Do not waste words on a fool, who will not appreciate the shrewdness of your remarks.

Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart be envious of sinners but remain steady every day in the fear of Yahweh

Proverbs 24:1
Do not be envious of the wicked or wish for their company

Proverbs 25:6-7
In the presence of the king do not give yourself airs, do not take a place among the great; 7 better to be invited, 'Come up here', than be humiliated in the presence of the prince.

Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool in the terms of his folly for fear you grow like him yourself.

Proverbs 27:10
Do not give up your friend or your father's friend; when trouble comes, do not go off to your brother's house, better a near neighbor than a distant brother.

Proverbs 28:7
an associate of profligates brings shame on his father.

Sirach 4:5
Do not avert your eyes from the needy

Sirach 4:8
To the poor lend an ear, and courteously return the greeting.

Sirach 6:34
Attend the gathering of elders; if there is a wise man there, attach yourself to him.

Sirach 6:36
If you see a man of understanding, visit him early, let your feet wear out his doorstep.

Sirach 7:34
Do not turn your back on those who weep, but share the grief of the grief-stricken.

Sirach 8:3
Do not argue with anyone argumentative, do not pile wood on that fire.

Sirach 8:4
Do not joke with anyone uncouth, for fear of hearing your ancestors insulted.

Sirach 8:5
Do not revile a repentant sinner; remember that we all are guilty.

Sirach 8:6
Do not despise anyone in old age; after all, some of us too are growing old.

Sirach 8:9
Do not dismiss what the old people have to say, for they too were taught by their parents; from them you will learn how to think, and the art of the timely answer.

Sirach 8:11
Refuse to be provoked by the insolent, for fear that such a one try to trap you in your words.

Sirach 8:15
Do not go travelling with a rash man, for fear he becomes burdensome to you; he will act as the whim takes him, and you will both be ruined by his folly.

Sirach 8:16
Do not argue with a quick-tempered man, do not go with him where there are no other people, since blood counts for nothing in his eyes, and where no help is to be had, he will strike you down.

Sirach 8:17
Do not ask a fool for advice, since a fool will not be able to keep a confidence.

Sirach 8:18
In a stranger's presence do nothing that should be kept secret, since you cannot tell what use the stranger will make of it.

Sirach 8:19
Do not open your heart to all comers, nor lay claim to their good offices.

Sirach 9:10
Do not desert an old friend; the new one will not be his match. New friend, new wine; when it grows old, you drink it with pleasure.

Sirach 9:11
Do not envy the sinner his success; you do not know how that will end.

Sirach 9:13
Keep your distance from the man who has the power to put to death, and you will not be haunted by the fear of dying. If you do approach him, make no false move, or he may take your life. Realize that you are treading among trip-lines, that you are strolling on the battlements.

Sirach 9:14
Cultivate your neighbors to the best of your ability, and consult with the wise.

Sirach 9:15
For conversation seek the intelligent, let all your discussions bear on the law of the Most High.

Sirach 9:16
Have the upright for your table companions, and let your pride be in fearing the Lord.

Sirach 11:2
Do not praise anyone for good looks, nor dislike anyone for mere appearance.

Sirach 11:21
Do not admire the achievements of sinners, trust the Lord and mind your own business

Sirach 11:29-31
Do not bring everyone home with you, for many are the traps of the crafty.

30 Like a captive partridge in a cage, so is the heart of the proud: like a spy he watches for your downfall, 31 ever on the look-out, turning good into bad and finding fault with what is praiseworthy.

Sirach 11:33
Beware of a scoundrel and his evil contrivances, in case he puts a smear on you for ever.

Sirach 12:10-12, 15
Do not ever trust an enemy; as bronze tarnishes, so does an enemy's malice.11 Even if he behaves humbly and comes bowing and scraping, maintain your reserve and be on your guard against him. Behave towards him as if you were polishing a mirror, you will find that his tarnish cannot last.12 Do not stand him beside you in case he thrusts you out and takes your place. Do not seat him on your right, or he will be after your position, and then you will remember what I have said and sadly admit that I was right.

***

15 He will stay with you for a while, but if you once give way he will press his advantage.

Sirach 12:13-14
Who feels sorry for a snake-charmer bitten by a snake, or for those who take risks with savage animals? -14 just so for one who consorts with a sinner, and becomes an accomplice in his sins.

Sirach 12:16-18
An enemy may have sweetness on his lips, and in his heart a scheme to throw you into the ditch. An enemy may have tears in his eyes, but if he gets a chance there can never be too much blood for him. 17 If you meet with misfortune, you will find him there before you, and, pretending to help you, he will trip you up.18 He will wag his head and clap his hands, he will whisper a lot and his expression will change.

Sirach 13:1
Whoever touches pitch will be defiled, and anyone who associates with the proud will come to be like them.

Sirach 13:2
Do not try to carry a burden too heavy for you, do not associate with someone more powerful and wealthy than yourself. Why put the clay pot next to the iron cauldron? It will only break when they bang against each other.

Sirach 13:4-7
If you are useful the rich will exploit you, if you go bankrupt he will desert you. 5 Are you well off? - he will live with you, he will clean you out without a single qualm.6 Does he need you? - he will hoodwink you, smile at you and raise your hopes; he will speak politely to you and say, 'Is there anything you need?' 7 He will make you feel small at his dinner parties and, having cleaned you out two or three times over, will end by laughing at you. Afterwards, when he sees you, he will avoid you and shake his head about you.

Sirach 13:9-11
When an influential person invites you, show reluctance, and he will press his invitation all the more.10 Do not thrust yourself forward, in case you are pushed aside, but do not stand aloof, or you will be overlooked. 11 Do not affect to treat him as an equal, do not trust his flow of words; since all this talking is expressly meant to test you, under cover of geniality he will be weighing you up.

Sirach 13:12-13
Pitiless is anyone who retails gossip; he will not spare you either blows or chains.13 Be wary, take very great care, because you are walking with your own downfall.

Sirach 13:16-18
Every living thing loves its own sort, and every man his fellow. 16 Every creature mixes with its kind, and human beings stick to their own sort. 17 How can wolf and lamb agree? - Just so with sinner and devout.18 What peace can there be between hyena and dog? And what peace between rich and poor?

Sirach 22:13
Do not waste many words on the stupid, do not go near a dolt. Beware of him, or you will have trouble and be soiled by contact with him; keep away from him, and you will have peace of mind and not be exasperated by his folly.

Sirach 22:23
Win your neighbor’s confidence when he is poor, so that you may enjoy his later good fortune with him; stand by him in times of trouble, in order to have your share when he comes into a legacy.

Sirach 22:25
I shall not be ashamed to shelter a friend nor shall I hide away from him

Sirach 29:8
be patient with those who are badly off

Sirach 37:6
Do not forget the genuine friend, do not push him out of mind once you are rich.

Sirach 37:7-9
Any adviser will offer advice, but some are governed by self-interest.8 Beware of someone who offers advice; first find out what he wants himself- since his advice coincides with his own interest -- in case he has designs on you 9 and tells you, 'You are on the right road,' but stands well clear to see what will happen to you.

Sirach 37:10
Do not consult anyone who looks at you askance, conceal your plans from people jealous of you.

Sirach 37:11
Do not consult a woman about her rival, or a coward about war, a merchant about prices, or a buyer about selling, anyone mean about gratitude, or anyone selfish about kindness, a lazy fellow about any sort of work, or a casual worker about finishing a job, an idle servant about a major undertaking-- do not rely on these for any advice.

Sirach 37:12
But have constant recourse to some devout person, whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul matches your own, and who, if you go wrong, will be sympathetic.

Jeremiah 15:17
I never sat in the company of scoffers amusing myself; with your hands on me I held myself aloof, since you had filled me with indignation.

Luke 14:12-14
When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relations or rich neighbors, in case they invite you back and so repay you.13 No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;14 then you will be blessed, for they have no means to repay you and so you will be repaid when the upright rise again.

James 2:1-4
My brothers, do not let class distinction enter into your faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord.2 Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, well-dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time a poor man comes in, in shabby clothes,3 and you take notice of the well-dressed man, and say, 'Come this way to the best seats'; then you tell the poor man, 'Stand over there' or 'You can sit on the floor by my foot-rest.'4 In making this distinction among yourselves have you not used a corrupt standard?