Overlooking Offense: A Mark of Wisdom and Glory

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” -Proverbs 19:11

There is always something in this world that can offend us. When we wake up each morning by the grace of God, it’s not if we’ll face offense, it’s when. This verse teaches us that wisdom gives birth to patience, and there is glory gained from overlooking offenses. The KJV puts it beautifully:

“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

Where Does Wisdom Come From?

Wisdom and discretion go hand in hand. The Bible tells us many times where and how we can get wisdom:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” -Proverbs 2:6 NIV

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” -Proverbs 1:7 NIV

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” -James 1:5 NIV

So now we know what wisdom is, where it comes from, and how to get it if we don’t have it. Why is it important to have wisdom in moments where we are offended? Because wisdom is our path to patience.

Wisdom Yields Patience

Another key word in Proverbs 19:11 is “yield.” To yield means to produce or provide. For example, “the land yielded its fruit.” It produced something. When we are wise, putting knowledge into action and exercising understanding and discretion, it produces patience within us. It causes us to defer our anger, to prolong the time between being offended and being angry, and to control our temper.

Choosing to Overlook Offense

Overlooking an offense doesn’t mean that the offense didn’t happen or that we’re pretending it didn’t hurt. Our feelings may be valid, but there’s still a choice to make. We are encouraged to overlook offense. 

God says it is to our glory to overlook offenses. Glory speaks to beauty, splendor, honor, and adornment. There is an enhanced beauty, an adornment that occurs every time we choose to overlook an offense.

The Real Question

When offense comes—and it inevitably will—we are faced with a choice.

Will I apply wisdom and allow patience to grow within me?

Or will I throw self-control out the window and forfeit my adornment by diving headfirst into offense?

May we be in the habit of allowing wisdom to yield patience within us, and may our choice to overlook offense become our crown of glory.