A Crash Course In Human Relations

By Franklin L. Kirksey
Bible Book: Proverbs 
Subject: Relationships
Inroduction

Human behavior is one of the most interesting fields of study. As Yogi Berra used to say, "You can see a lot by observing." It is generally true that people want the front seat on the bus and the back pew in the church and desire to remain in the middle of the road on most issues.

In Proverbs 25 Solomon offers a crash course in human relations.

I. How To Relate To Those Above Us

The first seven verses explain how to relate to those who are above us. From Romans 13:1-7, we discover that the Lord has ordained some to be over others for the purpose of law and order in society. From the Scriptures we learn that God has established authority in the home and in the church as well. We choose either respect or rebellion toward those God places in positions of authority. God instructs us to respect those in authority whether in the home, in the church or in human government. We must remember that without authority there will be anarchy as described in Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

II. How To Relate To Those Around Us

We find divine wisdom on how to relate to those who are around us in Proverbs 25:8-20. Many attempt to rationalize away any responsibility toward their neighbor with age-old questions like: "Am I my brother's keeper?" or "Who is my neighbor?"

III. How To Relate To Those Against Us

Proverbs 25:21-28 explains how we are to relate to those who are against us. Jesus gives further instruction in Matthew 5:43-48 about relating to enemies. We are encouraged in Romans 12:21 not to "...be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good."

Mark Twain is credited with saying: "Let us endeavor to so live that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry." But the only way for us to successfully master human relationships on earth is to have a personal relationship with our Maker in heaven. The apostle Paul reminds us that, "there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).

Our Lord Jesus said of Himself: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Make sure that you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by repentance and faith.