Dispute

  What your eyes have seen do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbour himself, and do not reveal another's secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. Proverbs 25:7b-10 ESV

If you see something bad in your neighbour, speak to him in person first. Don't just rush to prosecute him. It's similar with brothers (certainly in Christ), we shouldn't be taking them to court at all.

This proverb is a call to meekness. We might often equate that virtue with weakness. But more accurately, it is not insisting upon our rights, which takes real strength.

Just because we might have a case against someone, doesn't mean to say we should press charges. With neighbours, we want to live in peace with them and not cause strife. Similarly with brethren (especially in Christ), we want to maintain unity.

Solomon warns us against outing neighbours if they're doing something unlawful, because none of your neighbours will trust you, and they'll be out for revenge. Sometimes, even if we may have a just case, peace trumps justice, and we have to leave things in God's hands.

"Father God, don't let us cause unnecessary strife in our neighbourhoods or families- physical or spiritual. May we strive for peace with all, and entrust You to administer justice. In Jesus' name, amen"

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