Funny – causing laughter or amusement; humorous. Funny – difficult to explain or understand; odd; unusual, especially in such a way as to arouse suspicion; slightly but undefinably unwell. Such is the way we define the word “funny“. In this life, we may find ourselves on the receiving end of some rather “funny” treatment from people. Often, this can come from sources we would otherwise trust. Consider the following ways of behaving and determine for yourself if you find it “funny”:
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:5-6
Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
Proverbs 28:23
How many times have we experienced what we thought was a kindness, but later determined that the person meant evil towards us? How often have we discovered false friends hiding behind a cloak of flattery? What should be our posture in a world with hidden enemies?
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 28:23-27
How do we guard our hearts without being unnecessarily aloof? How do we determine to interact with people we suspect are being “funny”?
Do not fret because of evildoers
or be envious of the wicked,
for the evildoer has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Proverbs 24:19-20
King David also gives us a word of encouragement regarding the way to respond. Click here to listen!
Food for Thought 