Proverbs 17:13-15 (ESV)
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
The Lord will punish those who respond with harm when offered kindness. A dam holds back water, but a small crack in the structure can cause a flood. In the same way, when the fool engages in a fight, a few words can escalate into a full brawl. Better to keep one’s mouth shut than allow anger to overflow in sinful speech. God hates injustice. Those who allow the guilty to go free while the innocent are punished displease him. We may not blatantly return evil for good, but do so subtly nonetheless. Have you been unappreciative of a gift or dismissed an invitation from one who sought to do good to you? Have you ignored the attempts of family members or friends to spend time with you? When others are kind, don’t snub them in return. God is aware of everything that happens in heaven and on earth. Let’s not be foolish by trampling over those around us.