Contending Without Cause

Do not contend with a man without cause,

If he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:30

When I read this verse, I tend to think of it in terms of Exodus 21:24, "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." That is, if someone physically assaults you, you are able to defend yourself. But, a man of God should never be the aggressor without cause. However, not all contending is physical. How many times do we contend verbally with someone, regardless of which party began the dispute?

One of my theological contentions is that the New Testament does not introduce any new doctrine, it simply expands and explains that which was already been taught.

Peter speaks of this issue in his first letter. 1 Peter 3:9 says "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless. for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." In verse 20, Peter tells us to have "a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

The real point is this: if someone makes a false accusation against you, don't contend with them. If you are blameless, God knows the truth, and it honors Him when you do not revile them. Pray for them. Bless them. Your godly character will show that the statements are false. 

Never get in a mud wrestling contest with a pig, he's better and more experienced at it than you are, and besides, he LIKES getting dirty.