Isn't It A Pity

Isn't It A Pity                                               10-20-17

Came across a video this week of one of my favorite musicians(Eric Clapton) performing a song written by a member of my all time favorite band(George Harrison of the one and only Beatles) I have played it about 50 times over the past couple days. Have loved the song for years but this version has something about it that is haunting to me.The first stanza caught me.

"isn't it a pity,isn't it a shame,how we break each others hearts and cause each other pain?" All ya'll hippies out there remember that one?

Anyway about twenty five times in(smile) this verse in Proverbs came strolling into my consciousness.

Proverbs 17:14 (ESV) ¹⁴  The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.



Admittedly a little crude for western sensibilities but that's what the Bible says.lol

I hummed and sang the parts I remembered all day yesterday while driving the bus.That verse reminded me of something my grandfather told me when I was a youngster standing on the front porch with him one day. He said that when ever he and my grandmother were angry and about to start dropping the bombs on each other,he would get up,walk out to the front porch and stay there until cooler spirits  prevailed. And herein lieth the lesson. 

Proverbs 17:27 (ESV) ²⁷  Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.



You know sometimes,MANY TIMES it's not what we say and do....but, what we DON"T SAY AND DO that counts. What are you saying here Ronnie? Just this.

A hateful word NOT spoken, an opinion or a point of view NOT expressed,a rancorous deed or action NOT done...... stops all the strife,pain and broken hearts before it gets started. Look again.

"....................so QUIT BEFORE(caps mine) the quarrel breaks out......."  

Go on down a couple of verses in your Bible.

Proverbs 18:2 (ESV) ²  A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.



I have this one highlighted AND underscored in MY Bible. (smile)

I am reminded of King David all of a sudden. I will conclude with this lengthy passage of Scripture.

2 Samuel 16:5-12 (ESV) ⁵  When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually.
⁶  And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
⁷  And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!
⁸  The LORD has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”
⁹  Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.”
¹⁰  But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
¹¹  And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
¹²  It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today.”


David was the King. He had the authority and means to have this insolent,dead dog killed in he street. Right where he stood or sat.Ya feelin me here? Indeed Shemei was WRONG in his railing accusation against the King. I think,but am not sure,I think Shemei broke Mosaic law with his rant.Nevertheless,with ALL the power and authority at his bidding, David chose to take the high and less travelled road of restraint;choosing instead to allow the Lord to do His bidding. He put Shemei and his cursing in the Lord's hands. It has been said of this incident that David examined his heart and ruled AGAINST it's interests. Powerful medicine indeed.

Brothers and sisters,many times if we will take a deep breath,walk out on the front porch,and rule against our self interest,we will save ourselves and others the pains of hurt feelings and broken hearts. Amen?

Psalm 19:14 (ESV) ¹⁴  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

God Bless

P.S. If I knew how to put video in message I would. Anyway going to post it on FB. Great video and great song.