Pressing!

In life we may face many pressing issues. They are things with which we must deal whether we like it or not. However, there is pressing that ought to be avoided when we understand the RESULT is not beneficial.

In Proverbs we read. . .
"(33) For PRESSING MILK produces curds, PRESSING THE NOSE produces blood, and PRESSING ANGER produces strife." ( Proverbs 30:33 ESV)

Though variation is found in different translations, the same Hebrew word is used three times as the English Standard Version indicates. According to Strong's Lexicon, the Hebrew word means "squeezing, pressing, or wringing." We may enjoy cottage cheese and cheese made by pressing the curds. However, causing the nose to bleed and producing strife should not be our aim. The fruit or end RESULT of our pressing ought to be considered. Pressing to produce something good is fine, but when it does not bring about good, it should be avoided.

Sometimes we feel it is our right to get someone told! However, that may not get them sold in the sense of benefiting from what we think we communicated. Therefore, consider another interesting note in that the Hebrew translated "nose" and "anger" come from the same Hebrew root. Perhaps we would do well to consider where it is we put our nose as we seek to peacefully bring beneficial good to other's lives. Remember James exhortation to be "slow to anger" because it "does not produce the righteousness of God." ( James 1:19 & 20) As the above proverb seems to make three obvious assumptions relative to pressing, may we seek guidance from above to wisely discern the RESULTS before we press a matter too far!

Have a great day SUPPRESSING THE URGE TO STIR UP STRIFE!
Carl

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