Proverbs 18:19

Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)

Iemand wat in ’n rusie seergekry het, onttrek hom aan ander. Tussen hom en hulle is daar ’n ysterhek.

What Does This Mean?

Proverbs 18:19 says that when a brother is offended, it's more difficult to win them back than it is to conquer a strong city. The message here is that familial relationships are very strong, and when there is a rift, it can be extremely difficult to mend. This verse emphasizes the strength of family bonds and the importance of maintaining good relationships.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a best friend, and you have a big fight. Making things right again can be harder than climbing a big, tall castle. This verse tells us that family and close friends are very important, and we should try our best to stay good with them.

Historical Background

The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the son of King David, around 970-930 BC. It was written for the people of Israel to teach them wisdom and how to live a righteous life. The cultural setting was one where the family unit was highly valued, and maintaining harmony within the family was considered essential.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where a family member, like a sibling, is offended by something you said or did. Instead of quickly apologizing, you might realize the depth of the issue and the effort required to restore the relationship. This verse reminds us to handle family relationships with care and to make efforts to resolve conflicts promptly.

Topics

• family
• forgiveness
• relationships
• conflict resolution
• wisdom
• peacemaking

Related Verses

• Genesis 13:7-8
• 1 Peter 3:8-9
• Ephesians 4:26-27
• James 5:16
• Proverbs 28:25

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a brother offended harder to win back than a strong city?

The verse illustrates that family bonds are incredibly strong, and when there's a breach, the effort needed to reconcile can be immense, much like the effort required to conquer a fortified city.

What can we learn about forgiveness from this verse?

This verse teaches us the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Just as a strong city requires significant effort to conquer, so too does the heart of an offended brother need patience and effort to win back.

How does this relate to conflict resolution?

The verse highlights the complexity of resolving conflicts, especially within familial bonds. It suggests that resolving disputes with close family members can be challenging and requires intentional effort.

Can this verse be applied to relationships outside of family?

Yes, while the verse specifically mentions a brother, the principles can be extended to close friendships and other significant relationships where deep connections exist and where breaches can be particularly difficult to mend.