"Unneeded Exercise"

“Unneeded Exercise”

I participate in a Men’s Bible Study in our community which has been focused on Proverbs and its principles of wisdom for daily living. As we came to Chapter 18 we found two related statements: “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” (Verse 13) and “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” (Verse 17). We saw this as a warning against jumping to conclusions, to which one of the group said, “That’s the only exercise some people get!” Sad but likely true.

While we may not engage in it as much as we should, most of us acknowledge that “…physical training is of some value….” (1 Timothy 4:8). As far as I know, though, jumping to conclusions isn’t part of any recognized exercise program. But it’s an activity in which we may participate more than we realize.

There’s an overlooked account in Joshua 22 which illustrates the danger of this practice. The God-directed campaign to take possession of Canaan had been completed and the 2 ½ tribes who’d requested and received their inheritance east of the Jordan River were released to occupy their territory. Joshua, however, reminded them to “…keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you….” (Verse 5). Upon returning home they set up an altar, and when the western tribes heard about it they saw it as an act of rebellion and prepared for war. But before launching an attack a delegation was sent to ask why the altar had been built. The 2 ½  tribes were horrified that their motive had been misunderstood and assured the representatives that it was intended to show national unity (see verses 21-29). So civil war was averted because the facts were sought before coming to an unwarranted conclusion.

How often have I (and maybe others) fallen into this trap of unneeded exercise and cast judgment on others before hearing and understanding the full story! Together we must heed Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT): “…Be careful not to jump to conclusions….” This will go a long way in preventing conflict in families, churches, and communities.

Friends, it’s time for a new exercise program: “Love one another.” (John 13:34).

Blessings!

Jim McMillan